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The following text entry box is for a search of frequently asked questions asked by visitors to the site. Please ask your question here and results closely matching your question will be returned. For searching the entire site you should visit the Search page of the site.
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I keep hearing about the International Red Cross. What does that mean?
Often, the term “International Red Cross” is used incorrectly in the public domain when referring to one of the many organizations who make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Back to Top What is the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement?
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a phrase that symbolizes the unity of all Red Cross work carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; and national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies or their equivalents around the world, including the American Red Cross; and the Magen David Adom in Israel.
Back to Top How are the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross different?
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (often called the Federation) is an umbrella organization of national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that coordinate relief efforts throughout the world occurring outside the theatre of war and other forms of armed conflict.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance.
Back to Top Is the Red Crescent connected to the Red Cross?
Yes. Although the red cross is not a religious symbol, the symbol of the red crescent is used instead of the red cross by national societies in most Islamic countries. Both Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies are part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Back to Top What are the Geneva Conventions?
The 1949 Geneva Conventions are comprised of four treaties with numerous articles. Each treaty protects a different group of people at risk during armed conflict and specifies how they must be humanely treated.
Back to Top Can I send medicine, food, money, or other articles through Red Cross?
No. The American Red Cross can not mail any of the above to individuals overseas.
Back to Top Can I join an American Red Cross response team overseas?
The American Red Cross welcomes volunteers for international deployment after they have successfully passed through the prerequisite training curriculum. International Response Team training and International Services Courses are vital to the success of relief missions. Further information may be obtained through the local Chapter or on the Opportunities page.
Back to Top What is tracing?
Red Cross tracing services and Red Cross Messages help families locate each other, send communication and learn each other's fate. Often these services, which are conducted between people living in the United States and their relatives living in foreign countries, may be required for several years.
Back to Top How do I initiate a tracing request to find my relative in another country?
Contact your local chapter or get more information on our web site (link) about how to initiate a tracing request, which are available to families who have been separated as a result of disaster or conflict, have essential information about the person, and have exhausted all other channels to contact their missing relative.
Back to Top What is a Red Cross Message?
Red Cross Messages (RCMs) are written messages sent between prisoners of war and their relatives through Red Cross channels, usually when no other communication is possible. Red Cross Message service may also be available to civilian victims of war, especially when postal services have completely collapsed.
Back to Top How long will it take my relative to receive my Red Cross Message?
The length of time it takes for RCMs to reach a chapter/station can be affected by delays in getting the RCM out of the conflict area/ refugees camp. Our goal is to mail all RCMs to chapters within 10 days or less from the date they are received from overseas. High RCM volume at times prevents us from meeting that standard.
Back to Top In how many countries is the Red Cross present?
There are currently 185 Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies.
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