World Red Cross Day is celebrated on 8th May to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of the Red Cross and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Henry Dunant. He was born on 8th May, 1828 in Geneva and the recipient of Nobel Peace Prize.
The first Red Cross Day was celebrated on 8th May, 1948. The official title of the day changed over time, and became World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 1984.
The 2021 World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day theme is ‘Unstoppable’.
The theme of World Red Cross Day 2020 was “#Keepclapping for the volunteers, staff and everyone responding to Covid-19”.
The theme of World Red Cross Day 2019 was “#love”.
The theme of World Red Cross Day 2018 was “Memorable smiles from around the world”.
The theme of World Red Cross Day 2017 was “Less known Red Cross stories”.
The theme of World Red Cross Day 2016 was “Everywhere for Everyone”.
The theme of World Red Cross Day 2015 was “Together for Humanity”.
World Red Cross Day is also known as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. It is dedicated to the people who suffer from the shortage of food, several natural calamities, war as well as from an epidemic disease. Basic amenities are also provided to the people who are really in need. Many governments and private organisations become active members to help needy people who suffer through several disasters.
7 Principles of Red Cross Society
1. Humanity: The main purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation amongst all peoples
2. Impartiality: It makes no discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions. The main motive is to help individuals solely on the basis of their needs and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
3. Neutrality: In order to enjoy the confidence of all, the movement does not engage in controversies of political, racial, religious, or ideological nature.
4. Independence: The movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the movement.
5. Voluntary service: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
6. Unity: The Red Cross society must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
7. Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide