The Red Cross marks its day amid conflicts and global crises

The humanitarian organization warns about the risks in war zones and the growing demand for assistance around the world.

May 8 is World Red Cross Day, which celebrates the largest and oldest humanitarian network in the world. This date was chosen in honor of the birth in 1828 of Henri Dunant, its founder.

Although the Red Cross was founded on February 17, 1863, it was decided that Dunant would be the one honored. The Swiss humanist died at the age of 82 and his remains were buried in his native country. In his memory, the Red Cross awards the “Henri Dunant Medal” as the highest decoration offered by this humanitarian body.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is made up of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and 191 National Societies, according to official data, which work to save lives, build community resilience, strengthen local action and promote dignity around the world.

Armed conflicts

Among the organization's most important tasks in this context of armed conflicts in several countries around the world, the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) seeks to promote respect for the rights of people affected by armed conflicts and other situations of violence. The Red Cross states that it does so from a position of neutrality and impartiality, based on international humanitarian law (IHL) and maintaining a constant presence in areas where the civilian population is under threat.

In addition, the ICRC has offices in more than 90 countries from which it provides assistance and protection to people affected by armed conflicts. Its key operations include Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Israel and the occupied territories, Myanmar, Sudan, Lebanon, Ukraine and Iran.

Along these lines, it maintains that its work is carried out through field activities to assist and protect those who are not taking part or are no longer taking part in hostilities, while at the same time seeking “to ensure that their rights are respected by reminding the parties to the conflict of their obligations and responsibilities under IHL through bilateral and confidential dialogue.”

The Red Cross warns about risks in the Gaza Strip

A few weeks ago, the ICRC warned about the danger posed by the remnants of war left by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip. It added that these unexploded ordnance items threaten the lives of Palestinians, particularly children, even after the cessation of hostilities.

Amani al-Naouq, ICRC spokesperson in Gaza, explained in statements to the media that the remnants are scattered in areas where homes and infrastructure were destroyed, among rubble and in areas where military operations were carried out. She also noted that the extent of these dangers cannot be assessed.

Al-Naouq also said that these remnants of war have caused serious injuries to the entire civilian population of Gaza and called for continued awareness campaigns about the long-term risks posed by these munitions. 

The ICRC warns that the dangers persist despite the ceasefire agreement that came into force in January 2025, since the Israeli army continues to attack the Palestinian population and leaves behind remnants of war that represent “a significant threat to daily life.”

The Red Cross in the Middle East

The Red Cross's work in the Middle East region is not limited to what is happening in the Gaza Strip, but also includes operations in Iran. In this regard, the Middle East and North Africa director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Cristhian Cortez, said that the consequences continue to be felt despite the ceasefire and that this will continue in Iranian society for “months and years.”

After visiting Iran, Cortez stated that “the impact of weeks of intense conflict is deeper than the headlines suggest,” with hundreds of health facilities, businesses and educational institutions damaged or destroyed.

The Red Cross expressed concern about access to supplies and specialized medical equipment, such as dialysis machines or prosthetic devices, especially in areas where factories had to halt production due to attacks or disruptions to supply chains. 

Cristhian Cortez also said that in more than five weeks of conflict “four Iranian Red Crescent volunteers were killed in attacks while on duty and another 18 were injured.”

In addition, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reiterated its emergency appeal for the country and is now asking the international community for 150 million dollars (120 million Swiss francs) to assist ten million people, an amount of which only 4% has been covered.

Guillermo Whpei

President of Fundación para la Democracia