World Red Cross Day on 8th May

World Red Cross Day

World Red Cross Day is commemorated every year on 8th May. This day is a yearly event which honours the principles of "International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement". It is marked every year to pay tribute to the volunteers for their contribution to the people in need. It is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the founder of the Red Cross and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Henry Dunant. In 1863, he founded the Red Cross Committee International.

Seven Principles of the Red Cross Society

●Humanity: The main objective is to defend life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It encourages mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation amongst all people.

●› Impartiality: It makes no discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. The main aim is to help individuals on the basis of their requirements and to give preference to the most urgent cases of distress.

•Neutrality: In order to keep the confidence of all, the movement does not engage in controversies of political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

•Independence: The movement is independent. The National Societies, assist in the humanitarian services of the governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always keep their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the movement. Voluntary service: It is a voluntary relief movement not provoked in any manner by desire for gain.

•Unity: The Red Cross society must carry on its philanthropic work throughout its territory.

• Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all societies have equivalent status and share equal responsibilities and duties in supporting each other is worldwide.