INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS - English

INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS SOCIETY

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international red cross society was founded by Henry dunant in 1863. Its official name is the International committee of the red cross. .its headquarter is in  Geneva. It directs and coordinates the international activities conducted by the Movement in armed conflicts and other situations of violence. ICRC works through national red cross societies.

Functions of ICRC

Initially the role of the Red Cross society was humanitarian service behalf of victims of war. Later it was realised that natural disasters also bring same difficulties and suffering and there is equally great need for help among nations as good neighbors. So the work of Red Cross was extended to other activities which would prevent human suffering. The functions includes

1.        Addressing sexual violence- Sexual violence is prevalent in many modern conflicts including war. The ICRC is stepping up its efforts to prevent this crime and help the victims.Building respect for the law

2.        Building respect for law- To protect and assist the victims of war and other violence, the ICRC seeks to ensure respect for their rights. This includes reminding authorities and others of their legal obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law

3.        Cooperation with national red cross societies- The ICRC works closely with the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Federation to ensure a concerted, efficient and rapid response to conflict or violence. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world.

4.        Helping detainees- The ICRC aims to secure humane treatment and conditions of detention for all detainees, regardless of the reasons for their arrest and detention. We also seek to alleviate the suffering of their families, particularly by restoring communication between detainees and their relatives.

5.        Helping migrants refugees and asylum seekers- The ICRC has adopted a broad description of migrants, to encompass all people who leave or flee their home to seek safety or better prospects abroad, and who may be in distress and need of protection or humanitarian assistance. Refugees and asylum seekers, who are entitled to specific protection under international law, are included in this description.

6.     Restoring family links- Conflict and disaster separate families, leading to years of uncertainty about the fate of a relative. The ICRC and the National Societies locate people, exchange messages, reunite families and clarify the fate of missing persons. ( for detail visit icrc.org website)
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