World Red Cross Day 2025

World Red Cross Day is celebrated annually on 8th May to honor Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the first ever Nobel Prize Peace Winner. The aim of World Red Cross Day is to recognize the humanitarian efforts of Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations throughout the world.  

Why is World Red Cross Day Celebrated?

World Red Cross Day celebrates the commitment of the Red Cross Movement to helping people in need by providing emergency assistance, relief for victims of disasters, and medical care. It recognizes the role of millions of workers and volunteers who serve humanity in a non-discriminatory and voluntary manner.  

History & Origin

The Red Cross Movement was founded by Henry Dunant as a result of witnessing the atrocities of the Battle of Solferino in 1859. Henry Dunant aimed to establish a volunteer corps that would assist the wounded in the war. The concept of the ICRC was created by Henry Dunant on behalf of the international community in 1863. Every year, World Red Cross Day is celebrated to honor Henry Dunant’s birthday on 8th May and was made official in 1948.  

World Red Cross Day 2025: Theme

On 8th May, we will celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, which acknowledges the millions of volunteers and staff around the world providing humanitarian services. The 2025 theme, “Keeping Humanity Alive”, acknowledges people who are providing essential support as a result of natural disasters, war, and medical emergencies. This reminds everyone about the importance of compassion and solidarity when facing injustice, a crisis, or conflicts.  

The Fundamental Principles

The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is based on 7 fundamental Principles: 

  • Humanity 
  • Impartiality 
  • Neutrality 
  • Independence 
  • Voluntary service 
  • Unity 
  • Universality 

These principles ensure that the movement remains impartial and dedicated to humanitarian action, whether in times of peace or conflict.  

Global Impact and Humanitarian Services

Red Cross Societies are established in over 190 countries, providing medical services, promoting health awareness, organizing blood donations, and responding to human causes and natural disasters. The organization tends to be present at crises as one of the first responders, demonstrating a worldwide network of volunteers and skilled professionals.  

Red Cross in India

The Indian Red Cross Societies (IRCS) is a major contributor to disaster relief, blood donation, first aid training, and promoting public health in India. It collaborates with both national and international partners in order to respond quickly to the needs related to medical emergencies and natural disasters.  

Special Occasions and Events

Blood donation camps, seminars, awareness campaigns and volunteer recognition events are many of the programs done in honor of World Red Cross Day. The purpose of this event is to improve public understanding of humanitarian action to inspire voluntary community engagement.

FAQs on World Red Cross Day

  • What day is World Red Cross Day in 2025?

    In 2025, we celebrated World Red Cross Day on 8th May. 

  • Who started the Red Cross Movement?

    The Red Cross Movement was started by the Swiss humanitarian, Henry Dunant, in 1863, with the formation of the ICRC. 

  • What was the theme of World Red Cross Day 2025?

    The theme for 2025 World Red Cross Day was “Keeping Humanity Alive”. 

  • How is World Red Cross Day recognized globally?

    This day is recognized globally by organizing blood camps, community gatherings, and awareness campaigns.  

  • What are the activities of the Indian Red Cross Society?

    The Indian Red Cross Society provides health services, blood banking, disaster relief and first aid training all over India.  

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