The
American Red Cross works with a global network of Red Cross, Red Crescent
and equivalent societies to restore hope and dignity to the world's
vulnerable people. Guided by our seven Fundamental Principles--Humanity,
Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and
Universality--this International Red Cross Movement brings emergency
relief to disaster victims, improves basic living conditions of those in
chronically deprived areas, and empowers people with the skills they need
to help themselves.
Thanks to the work of our local volunteers, we can:
Provide tracing and messaging services for families separated by
disaster, armed conflict, civil unrest or changing world conditions
Offer training in humanitarian principles, international humanitarian
law and the specific provisions of the Geneva Conventions - the framework
of rights that protects people caught in international conflicts
Facilitate family tracing for the survivors of WWII-related events
such as The Holocaust
Distribute information on the work of the American Red Cross and our
partners worldwide
Armed conflict and natural disasters leave millions of people around the
globe in urgent need of humanitarian assistance every year. Adding to the
physical losses, the confusion and chaos surrounding war and natural
disasters often separates families when they need each other most.
Tragically, when families and loved ones are separated by war or
disaster, their suffering is greater. But, through the strength of the
Red Cross Movement and the work of tracing volunteers at national
societies around the world, including the American Red Cross, families
reconnect. Click
here for more information on this valuable service.
American Red Cross tracing and Red Cross messages have traditionally been
conducted between people in the United States and their relatives around
the world. Additionally, the
American Red Cross Holocaust and War Victims Tracing and Information
Center, opened in 1990, is the national clearinghouse for persons
seeking the fates of loved ones missing since the Holocaust and its
aftermath.For questions regarding this service or aid in beginning a
search, please contact contact us.
You may also search the online registration for families affected by
conflicts or disasters in other countries by visiting http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/ or contact 1-877-272-7337.
Dissemination of International Humanitarian Law
International Humanitarian Law is everyone's concern. In a world
where warfare and civil strife are a daily reality for millions,
International Humanitarian Law provides a framework for protection for
civilians and combatants alike.
The conduct for warfare as embodied by IHL is laid out in the Geneva
Conventions of 1949. The American Red Cross has a unique mandate to
educate the American public about the guiding principles and IHL
framework as it applies to the protection of members of the armed forces
including prisoners of war and civilians. For information regarding
presentations available on this topic, please contact us.
On average, 62,000 people a year are killed by natural disasters. Of
those killed, a disproportionate number were from already vulnerable
communities in developing nations. The American Red Cross works with a
worldwide network of partners that includes the International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of
the Red Cross and 181 Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies to
ensure consistency in international disaster response operations that are
undertaken. For more information about the American Red Cross' role in
disasters, visit the
Emergency Disaster Response and Preparedness web page.
Primary Health Care
Each year millions of vulnerable people, especially children, die
unnecessarily of disease and malnutrition because they lack access to
basic healthcare and nutrition. The American Red Cross is committed to
helping people around the world prevent and respond to life-threatening
health conditions with our global health initiatives that focus on
reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating
infectious diseases. Examples of American Red Cross health intervention
programming include:
For every dollar raised, a child on the other side of the world can
receive a vaccination for a disease that most barely remember---measles.
That's why we need you, your neighbors, schools and community
organizations to raise funds and awareness of the Measles Initiative, an
international partnership working to eliminate the leading
vaccine-preventable childhood killer in the world. Every penny and dollar
helps. If you or an organization you know of would like to raise funds
and awareness, contact
us.
When a disaster strikes our international neighbors, the American Red
Cross is there to help with supplies and funds to help those without
shelter and other basic needs. If you would like to raise funds for an
international emergency, use our online form.
Volunteering
American Red Cross has a limited physical presence in other countries,
since each of those countries has its own Red Cross organization. We do
deploy a limited number of pre-trained personnel (when requested) as well
as shipping supplies and funds in coordination with our worldwide
movement. If you are looking for direct involvement overseas, visit
interaction.org to determine what over
160 humanitarian organizations are doing. No matter how well-intentioned,
foreigners lacking technical skills, disaster experience and familiarity
with the local culture and language can seriously complicate relief
efforts.
Many agencies do seek volunteers to work in non-emergency situations to
help communities in the developing world. A publication entitled
Global Work, available from InterAction, lists volunteer, internship,
and fellowship opportunities around the world.
For information about opportunities with our chapter's international
services, visit our volunteer page.
Site wide feed
