Dinesh Gupta
The idea was born when a young man from Switzerland called Henry Dunant-organized local people to support the wounded in the battle of Solferino, Italy in 1863. Dunant called for the creation of national relief societies to assist those wounded in war, paving the way for the future Geneva Conventions. Dunant and five of his peers then set up the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded. Now, It works both during Peace and War Time.
Established in 1863, the ICRC is the funding body of the ICRC and Red Crescent Movement. It has a permanent mandate under International Law, through the Geneva Conventions, to protect and assist all victims of war and of internal violence, while trying to ensure compliance with International Humanitarian Law.
World Red Cross Day is an annual celebration of the principles of the International Red Cross Movement. The first Red Cross Day was celebrated on 8 May 1948. The official title of the day changed over time, and became “World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day” in 1984.
Past months and years have been marked by various crises that have not spared anyone and also hit the most vulnerable people the hardest, including COVID-19, the climate crisis, humanitarian emergencies, and escalating conflicts. Despite this, there is hope and humanity that can be found in the form of an act of kindness. It is present all around us. No matter how big or small an act of kindness is, it makes a huge difference in the lives of people.
Origin of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS): It came into being in 1920 under the IRCS Act and incorporated under Parliament Act XV of 1920 last amended in December 15, 2017. The IRCS has 28 States & 8 UT Branches and over 1100 District/Sub-District Branches all over India. The President of India is the President and Union Health Minister is Chairman of the Society.
At State/UT level, Governor/Lt. Governor is its President and at District level, the respective Deputy Commissioner is the President- Apart from this many Senior Government Functionaries are Ex-officio members of Red Cross.
World Red Cross Day is a time to celebrate the spirit of humanitarianism and recognize the individuals who make a difference in their communities. We want to celebrate the people in our communities, “the person next door”, who often are the first ones to step up and support those in need around them. They could be someone at work; a neighbourhood business-owner; a Red Cross community volunteer; someone at the gym, shop or market we go to; or someone living close by who has always been by our side. However they support us, they do it with love and #fromtheheart.
Community engagement and accountability (CEA) is essential to help us build the acceptance and trust we need to deliver our lifesaving work.
One of the most effective ways of building this trust is to make sure that people always have the ability to engage with us, and to guarantee that we will act based on their feedback and needs. But evidence, experience and common sense show us that when communities play an active role in designing and managing our programmes and operations, the outcomes are more effective and more sustainable.
The unprecedented is no longer an excuse for being unprepared. The number of crises and disasters is on the rise-with climate change, conflict and COVID-19 all taking a massive humanitarian toll on communities worldwide.
Movement policy on internal displacement :- When working under the Red Cross emblem, we are personally and collectively responsible for upholding and promoting the values and principles this emblem represent. We are individually called on to respect the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, uphold the values of respect, dignity and integrity, and to exhibit the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct at all times and in all circumstances.
Code of Conduct :- Over the years, adherence to the Code has become one important way for the Red Cross and NGOs to define themselves as humanitarians. And we need to recognize disaster victims as dignified human beings, not hopeless objects.
Principles of youth engagement with the IRCS :- Young people play a vital role in humanitarian action and development around the world. We see meaningful youth engagement as essential to delivering effective and principled humanitarian assistance and transforming our organization for the better. We must listen to and consider this diversity of young people’s experiences and needs in all that we do. Youth as leaders, Youth as volunteers and Youth as people we support. Red Cross volunteerism is central to youth engagement and is an effective and meaningful way of engaging young people in civic action. De-ediction, Education, empowerment and enabling environments are vital for youth engagement. Youth are agents of change with the power to address global humanitarian challenges relevant to their local communities. Youth in decision-making at all levels of management, governance and service delivery are crucial for transferring experiences and knowledge between generations.
J&K Red Cross: IRCS, J&K State (now UT) Branch was created in 1948 with the objectives to act as an auxiliary to the Government authorities in providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by natural and manmade disasters and in peace time prepare for any exigencies. But for the quite some time All is not Well in the Red Cross mainly due to Adhocisim and lack of interest for whatever reasons. In absence of any short term/ long term Policy and Programme in place and Peace Time regular activities, there is hardly any Life Member and Volunteer coming forward even when we need them the most.
Role of J&K, UT Government: IRCS being auxiliary to the government, the maximum support from the Government like other States/UTs is of utmost importance and that can help in strengthening the working of Red Cross. Formation of effective Managing Committees and appointment of full time suitable persons on different posts as per new rules is quite essential to ensure Transparency in all deeds, Financial Discipline, Conduct of proper formal Periodical Committee Meetings, Preparation of realistic Budgets and Calendar of Activities in the respective Branch Committee Meetings. Nominations of the key functionaries of Red Cross in various important Committees of the Government shall also be helpful in carrying-out its duties and responsibilities enshrined in the Constitution of Red Cross Society more effectively. Red Cross Society being a very Pious Organizations needs to work in a much more organized manner to respond timely and adequately to win over the trust and confidence of the people of J&K. Red Cross need to sensitize the Government/PSU officials about the Organizational Set-up at National, UT and District Level and their role and responsibilities besides “What Red Cross Society is, What it Does and How they can be helpful to others. Thereafter, we can collaborate with different Universities, Medical Colleges, Professional Institutions, Army, BSF, CRPF, J&K Police, Directorate of Education and Health, Banks and other Financial Institutions, NSS, NCC, NYK, Bharat Scouts & Guides and Civil Defence etc. and carry-out different welfare activities for the people of J&K in Peace Time and in difficult situations also.
(The author is Patron and Member, State Managing Committee of Red Cross, J&K, UT.)
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