Red Cross
ALTERNATIVE NAME/S: (full name) International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
DETAILS/DESCRIPTION: The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization with national societies in almost every country in the world, relieving human suffering during times of crisis or disaster. The organization's seven fundamental guiding principles are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, volunteerism, universality, and unity. Its name derives from the organization's flag, a red cross on a white background, which honors Switzerland, where the organization was founded in 1863. (Societies in Muslim countries use a white flag with a red crescent, while the society in Israel uses a red star on a white flag.)
A national Red Cross or Red Crescent assists during natural disasters within the country's borders and becomes a back-up unit for national medical services during wars. The national societies communicate through the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent. The International Committee of the Red Cross is an entirely Swiss organization - reflecting Switzerland's neutral status in international disputes – and operates around the world. It received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1917 and 1944 in recognition of its work in World Wars I and II. The ICRC and the League of Red Crosses shared the prize in 1963.
The Red Cross emerged from the work of Jean-Henri Dunant*, a Swiss businessman.
ONELINER: The Red Cross is an international humanitarian organization
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
"Red Cross and Red Crescent." Britannica Student Encyclopedia. 2004. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 19 May 2004 /search.eb.com/ebi/article?eu=298766.
"Red Cross." World Book Online Reference Center. 2004. World Book, Inc. 19 May 2004. 0-www.worldbookonline.com.mill1.sjlibrary.org:80/wb/Article?id=ar461920.
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Homepagehttp://www.icrc.org/eng.