World Red Cross Day, also known as Red Crescent Day, is marked annually on May 8. It honours the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman and the founder of the Red Cross, the world’s largest humanitarian aid organisation. He was the founder of (ICRC) International Committee of the Red Cross and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.

Dunant was the first Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Red Cross supports those in need during emergencies and conflicts. On the World Red Cross Day volunteers promote the mission and principles of the 161-year-old international aid organisation which has national chapters in 192 countries.

World Red Cross Day: History and Significance

World Red Cross Day traces its roots to 1859 after Swiss businessman Henry Dunant was deeply moved by the lack of treatment given to soldiers and civilians at the Battle of Solferino in Italy. A few years later, in 1863, Dunant organised volunteer-supported relief societies that committed to providing non-partisan help to the wounded during wartime or conflict.

The same year, Dunant and five colleagues established the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded, which evolved into the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The aid organisation soon became popular as simply Red Cross, after its emblem which was inspired by the Swiss National flag. In World War I and World War II, the Red Cross played an important role in aiding injured civilians and prisoners of war. Today it has many local and national chapters across the globe.

The Red Cross’s significance in the world of human rights is enormous. The non-profit’s motto “Per Humanitatem ad Pacem”, which means “With humanity, towards peace”, espouses the message of world peace. The organisation is active in conflict zones or sites of natural disasters.

It is credited with codifying the Geneva Conventions, a four-point treaty, about how soldiers and civilians should be treated during war. All 196 countries in the world have ratified the four Geneva Conventions.

As per Geneva Conventions: all civilians, even those in occupied territory should be protected; prisoners of war must be treated with humanity; sick, wounded, medical and religious personnel should not be attacked during conflict; those wounded, sick, and shipwrecked during war at sea should be protected.

World Red Cross Day: Theme

The theme for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 2024 is “I give with joy, and the joy I give is a reward”. The theme encourages the joy of charity and service.

World Red Cross Day: Celebration

Many national and local chapters of the Red Cross commemorate World Red Cross Day by organising special events and activities like running blood donation drives, giving first aid training sessions, hosting fundraisers, public awareness campaigns, and honouring outstanding volunteers and humanitarian achievements of individuals and groups.

World Red Cross Day: Quotes

1. “I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them”- Clara Barton
2. “Philanthropy, like Red Cross voluntarism, is realising the enhancing influence of cultural diversity. Inviting the full participation of all the community’s resources leads to win-win situations”- Gwen Jackson
3. “Whether it is a call to action for blood drives, disaster relief, or just community outreach, the American Red Cross does an extraordinary job at not only meeting the immediate needs of a community but also the preparation and planning for long-term support”- Darius Rucker
4. “After what others would call a fun day out together, we feel as if we have been at the Red Cross, donating blood”- Anneli Rufus
5. “I like the influence and responsibility the Red Cross has become known for” – Zulay Henao.