The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement started with the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863, in response to the terrible human toll of the revolutionary conflicts raging in Europe in the second half of the 19th century. Seven years later the British Red Cross was established. Today, the Movement is active in 192 countries and has been a constant and reassuring presence at some of the world’s most harrowing events: from being among the first to provide humanitarian support after the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945, to providing vital assistance to those affected by this year’s devastating earthquakes in Morocco, Turkey and Syria. You may know some of these facts, but did you know …
1 The Red Cross’s ‘red cross’ is not a logo
Even though it is one of the most recognisable pieces of graphic design in the world, the red cross emblem is not just some clever bit of branding: it is a symbol of protection in armed conflict, the use of which is restricted by international law. The Red Cross’s guiding principles of neutrality and impartiality mean that it does not take sides and is here for anyone and everyone who needs help, regardless of religion, political affiliation or nationality or anything else.
2 The Red Cross is still tracing people who went missing during the second world war – as well as those caught up in emergencies today
It is now almost 80 years since the end of the conflict, but the Red Cross is still helping people trace what happened to their family members who went missing in the course of the second world war or in its aftermath. This remarkable service is emblematic of the wider work the British Red Cross and the Red Cross Movement do together around the world to locate people and put them back into contact with their loved ones.
3 The British Red Cross is at the forefront of helping those affected by the climate crisis
Sadly, the British Red Cross is finding itself responding to an ever-increasing number of climate-related incidents in the UK (130 in 2021 alone), such as flooding and wildfires. This work can include treating heatstroke sufferers or evacuating people whose homes have been destroyed by grass fires. Internationally, the British Red Cross provided assistance following the record-breaking floods in Bangladesh last June, working alongside the Bangladesh Red Crescent to help ensure toilets and effective sanitation were available to reduce the risk of waterborne disease. In addition, The British Red Cross is supporting Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Africa in drought and flood response activities. For example, distributing cash to thousands of households or providing emergency food and nutrition assistance, while promoting climate smart agriculture techniques.
4 It helps people who have been evacuated during extreme weather events
During the November 2019 floods – when a month’s worth of rain fell in 24 hours in Yorkshire and the Midlands – the British Red Cross supported evacuees in rest centres, which were set up in community halls. Its emergency response volunteers also worked round-the-clock alongside fire and rescue teams who evacuated people, as well as going door-to-door in order to make sure those without power were safe.
5 The British Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement supported the global response to Covid
Thousands of people signed up to become community reserve volunteers for the British Red Cross during Covid. Volunteers were relieving the pressure on the NHS by driving discharged patients from hospital and checking in on their welfare via home visits. They also delivered food and medicine to those who were self-isolating, such as the clinically vulnerable and older people. Globally, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement reached one in 10 people worldwide with its Covid response.
6 The British Red Cross provides help immediately in the aftermath of a terror attack
In 2017 the UK suffered a spate of terrorist attacks. Within hours of both the London Bridge attack and the Manchester Arena bombing, the British Red Cross had established a presence on the ground and set up emergency support lines. It also has a UK Solidarity Fund, which raises money for victims and their families, so they don’t face short-term financial problems.
7 Giving essential help to people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine is another aspect of its work
Since the conflict in Ukraine escalated, 128,000 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers have supported the humanitarian response. Together, they have provided a range of life-saving support, including setting up health clinics, training local medical staff in weapon-wound surgery and providing psychosocial support, as well as distributing vital supplies such as food, water and hygiene kits. In the UK, British Red Cross emergency response teams were at airports to greet people fleeing the crisis, offering sim cards and cash assistance, distributing almost £3m by July 2023.
8 Its work with refugees should not be underestimated
The British Red Cross is the largest independent provider of refugee support in the UK. Last year, the British Red Cross supported more than 30,000 refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. From people who fled Afghanistan in 2021, to those affected by the crisis in Ukraine, the British Red Cross offers a variety of support including providing essential clothing and baby supplies to assisting people with visa applications, casework and translation.
9 The British Red Cross supported people affected by the Grenfell Tower fire
After the fire broke out in Grenfell Tower in June 2017, the British Red Cross headed to west London to help residents who’d just lost their homes – and, in many cases, loved ones and neighbours. Over the next few days and weeks, more than 600 emergency response volunteers were deployed, who supported more than 1,700 people, and a 24/7 support line was launched. It also launched the London Fire Relief Fund, which raised £7.53m to support survivors and their families.
10 The ICRC has won more Nobel peace prizes than any other individual or institution
When Swiss humanitarian and businessman Henry Dunant was jointly awarded the inaugural Nobel peace prize in 1901 – along with peace activist Frédéric Passy – it had been 38 years since he co-founded the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva. Since then, the ICRC itself has won the Nobel peace prize three times: in 1917 and 1944 for its work during the two world wars, and again in 1963 in recognition of the centenary of its founding, as well as its role in revising the Geneva Conventions following the devastation of the second world war.
Here for humanity
For more than 150 years, the British Red Cross has been on the ground to support communities and provide vital relief. Together, with your help, we are the world’s emergency responders. Please donate today
The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949), Scotland (SC037738), Isle of Man (0752) and Jersey (430).
