The+Red+Cross

Sam Porritt- Red Cross =The Red Cross= = = The **International Red Cross** is a movement is to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering, without any discrimination based on nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. Although it is a big international organisation, it is privately run. No government controls the Red Cross. = = =History= The Red cross foundation Began in 1859 when an idea was forged in the bloody aftermath of the Battle of Solferino through the vision of its founders Henry Dunant and Gustave Moynier has grown to become the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Until the middle of the 19th century, there were no organized and/or well-established army nursing systems for casualties and no safe and protected institutions to accommodate and treat those who were wounded on the battlefield. When Henri Dunant traveled to Italy to talk business with the french emperor Napoleon III he witnessed the battle of Solferino. In a single day, about 40,000 soldiers on both sides died or were left wounded on the field. Henri was shocked by the terrible aftermath of the battle, the suffering of the wounded soldiers, and the near-total lack of medical attendance and basic care. He completely abandoned the original intent of his trip and for several days he devoted himself to helping with the treatment and care for the wounded. He succeeded in organizing an overwhelming level of relief assistance by motivating the local villagers to aid without discrimination.

=Principles= The principles of the Red Cross are:

HUMANITY The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect human life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all people.

IMPARTIALITY  It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided soley by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress   NEUTRALITY In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

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.  VOLUNTARY SERVICE  It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.  UNITY  There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry its humanitarian work throughout its territory. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 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.

==<span style="color: #00659e; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,'Open Sans',Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 22px;">Engage, partner and influence to promote humanitarian values and prevent and reduce vulnerability ==

<span style="color: #f27b36; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,'Open Sans',Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 22px;">Be effective and accountable in all that we do
==<span style="color: #857776; font-family: Calibri,Helvetica,'Open Sans',Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 22px;">Build a sustainable organisation consistent with our Fundamental Principles ==