In 1863, Henri Dunant founded the International Committee of the Red Cross on the Fundamental Principle of Humanity.
“The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and last peace among all peoples.”
Now, more than 150 years later, humanity remains a pillar of support and a guiding light for Red Cross and Crescent organizations and has become the ultimate goal for countless aid organizations around the world. The American Red Cross touches the lives of more than 300 million people each year. The Red Cross provides humanitarian services to our refugee and immigrant communities by reconnecting loved ones separated by conflict, natural disaster or other humanitarian situations and by ensuring broad dissemination of humanitarian principles.
On World Humanitarian Day, we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and we pay tribute to those who continue to help people around the world, regardless of who they are and where they are.
But the day is about more than honoring and paying tribute to those who have served. It is also about recognizing and appreciating the acts of kindness, no matter how small, that define our humanitarian spirit. World Humanitarian Day is a “global celebration of people helping people”.
This year on World Humanitarian Day here’s how YOU can celebrate:
- Volunteer for the American Red Cross. Learn more here.
- Mow a neighbor’s lawn.
- Learn more about the Red Cross Internation Services Program, here.
- Cook a meal for a new mom or a friend going through a rough patch.
