Growth of National Societies and Red Cross movement

Index Home

Red Cross Movement started in 1863, and the very next year invited delegates from 12 nations had their first conference in Geneva. The founding members agreed that different countries, who agree with the underlying principles of humanity, could form their own National Societies. While the initial purpose of International Red Cross was to take care of the wounded soldiers, national red cross societies could take up additional humanitarian roles.

In 1864, France, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, and Spain formed their national societies. Norway, Sweden and Portugal followed in the coming year. In 1876, there were sixteen such societies. In order to distinguish itself from these national societies, the first society formed at Geneva, adopted a new name – International committee of Red Cross or ICRC. Today, along with ICRC, National Red Cross societies are backbone of the Global Red Cross movement.

National Red Cross societies in the 19th Century

Earliest National Red Cross Societies were in Europe. While, Red Cross was a neutral symbol, derived from Swiss flag, it also had a religious meaning. When in 1868, Ottoman Empire in Turkey formed its similar society, it chose Red Crescent as its symbol. In 1881, Clara Barton established American Red Cross, which was first such society outside Europe.

Towards the end of 19th century, there were about 30 National Red Cross societies. Of these El Salvador (1885), Japan (1887), Thailand (1893), and Uruguay (1897) were the only countries outside of Europe and North America, that had such national societies.

Initially National Red Cross Societies had a role similar to the ICRC, that is caring for the war wounded. While ICRC maintained its focus on multi-national conflicts, various national societies were eager to take up broader humanitarian roles. By the time First World War was over, many societies felt that it is more worthwhile to work together. Thus, in 1919 some national societies formed a League.

League of Red Cross Societies, 1919

In 1919, Henry Davison, then President of the American Red Cross took lead to establish “League of Red Cross societies“. Initially it had Britain, France, Italy, Japan and US as its members. This league excluded societies from Germany, Hungary, Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey and Soviet Union due to changed political scenario after the First World War. This league provided space for various symbols, cross, crescent and lion with rising sun (this symbol was adopted by Persian monarchy – who did not want either an ottoman crescent, or a Russian cross),

In 1923 ICRC had broadened its constitution, and its membership was now extended to all Swiss Nationals (previously it was restricted to residents of Geneva). Initially ICRC was not comfortable with an idea of a League. It had two concerns; First, basic premise of Red Cross movement was political neutrality. Second, another organisation could create another power structure. In 1928, ICRC and League formed an International council, so as to have a common platform. By 1939, League also moved its headquarters to Geneva. Eventually ICRC and League had a common humanitarian goal. Moreover League took up other humanitarian tasks such as relief measures during earthquakes, floods, famines, and internal conflicts.

National Red Cross Societies (1900-1939)

As many as 45 national Red Cross societies came up in the first forty years of 20th century. By this time, almost all countries in Europe had their own society, along with New Zealand (1911), Australia (1923), about 16 countries from Asia, and another 12 from Latin America. Indian Red Cross Society (1920) was fifth such society that was formed in Asia. Many societies formed in this period have completed their centenary in the last decade. Please see the following panels about their philatelic presence.

National societies took up additional roles during this period. These roles include establishing hospitals, emergency medical care, and blood banking.

National Red Cross Societies (1940-1963)

In 1963, ICRC had turned 100. After the end of the Second World War, many countries in Asia and Africa became independent. About 50 more national societies formed during this period, taking the total number to about 125. Biggest contribution of more than 20 socities was from countries in Africa.

1963 was also a turning point for the League of Red Cross societies. This group was renamed “International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies” with an acronym (IFRC). The same year ICRC and IFRC was awarded their third Nobel Peace Prize. In fact this was fourth, if we add the first 1901 Nobel Peace Prize that was awarded to Henry Dunant.

More new members in the last sixty years (1964-2023)

Membership of IFRC stands at 192. Most recent members are Bhutan (2017), South Sudan (2011), Haiti (2010), Maldives (2009),and Timor Leste (2000). Red Cross and Red Crescent map is now almost complete. IFRC website maintains a directory of all member national societies.

National Red Cross society postage stamps show many diverse roles these societies taken up. These include natural calamities, mother and child care, vaccination, HIV-AIDS response etc.

How do ICRC and IFRC work together ?

Each National Society is an independent autonomous entity. These societies are not governed by wither IFRC or ICRC. National Society requires to be recognised by the country to which it belongs. This mandate, sets it apart from all other non-governmental organisations. National red. cross Societies are mandated to carry out local relief, within the country, as per local rules and regulations. Hence, it is a primary response agency

Relationship between national societies, IFRC and ICRC is guided by Seville Agreement (most recent modification 2022). ICRC will take over the task of National Society in situations of an armed conflict. It also has a mandate to ensure that National Societies follow the principles of Red Cross movement.

Representatives of the National Society, IFRC, and ICRC meet every two years meet every two years to discuss and resolve contentious issues. This meeting is called council of delegates. Every four years, they also have a common meeting with all representatives of the government, to ensure adherence to Geneva conventions. Thus, Red Cross movement has a structure like United Nations (UN). Today, it is we estimate that a total of 97 million humans are engaged with Red Cross movement across the world

ICRC is a much older body, as compared to the UN. In 1990, UN conferred an observer status to ICRC. Together, both organisations as well as various other UN agencies have a collective responsibility to implement principles of humanitarian laws. This is a task all of us strive to achieve, during peace as well as during a conflict.