Australian Red Cross
Red Cross is always there for people in need, providing relief in times of crisis and care for the most vulnerable in Australia and around the world.
In times of conflict or natural disaster our volunteers are committed to putting our humanitarian values to work, offering practical assistance and support at any time of the day or night - no questions asked.
With more than 100 million volunteers worldwide and 60,000 members and volunteers in Australia we can reach people and places like nobody else.
Red Cross cares for people whose lives have been touched by tragedy or disaster. A fire destroys a family home ... A bus carrying young children overturns on a winding road ... Floodwaters threaten a nursing home.
Red Cross is committed to helping those in need in our community, from providing breakfast for hungry children every day to supporting the elderly and isolated in their own homes. Australian Red Cross is part of the world''s largest humanitarian organisation, with more than 100 million volunteers in 186 countries. We are independent of government and have no political, religious or cultural affiliation.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is made up of 186 National Societies including Australian Red Cross with more than 100 million volunteers worldwide.
The Movement also includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as coordinating body, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which works mostly in areas of conflict.
Our Movement''s mission is to prevent or reduce human suffering, wherever it is found. Our Fundamental Principles of humanity, neutrality and independence guide us in this mission.
With a vibrant and varied history -- from its origins in the aftermath of battle in 1859 as the vision of founder Henry Dunant, through two world wars and up to today - we help tens of millions of people around the world each year and care for local communities in Australia and Asia Pacific.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement website
International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross was formed in 1863 and is the founding body of the movement. Under the terms of the Geneva Conventions, it undertakes the role of neutral intermediary in times of armed conflict, providing protection and assistance to victims, visiting detainees, providing medical care to the sick and wounded, and tracing and reuniting separated families.
International Committee of the Red Cross website
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was founded in 1919 in Paris in the aftermath of World War I. Originally known as the League of Red Cross Societies it was renamed in October 1983 as the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. In November 1991 it became the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Australian Red Cross is one of the 186 members of the Federation and responds to need in each state and territory and provides relief during major disasters and emergencies in Australian and in other countries.
The Federation supports humanitarian activities by Red Cross in each country, including providing emergency relief for natural disasters, the development of new social welfare initiatives, caring for refugees or simply caring for the vulnerable in society.
our services Across Australia
Today, Australian Red Cross is active in every State and Territory in Australia, and provides over 60 community services, ranging from blood supplies and disaster services to first aid and refugee services.
Around the World
Internationally, Australian Red Cross is involved in numerous development and emergency programs. Our Tracing Service is part of the International Red Cross tracing network operating in 185 countries, and we are active in International Humanitarian Law.