The Swiss Red Cross. In the name of
The Swiss Red Cross. In the name of
The Swiss Red Cross. In the name of
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
<strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>name</strong> <strong>of</strong> humanity<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Rainmattstrasse 10<br />
CH-3001 Bern<br />
Phone 031 387 71 11<br />
Fax 031 387 71 22<br />
info@redcross.ch, www.redcross.ch
SUMMARY<br />
1. Origin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement ............................................3<br />
1.1 Battle <strong>of</strong> Solferino ...................................................................................................................3<br />
1.2 <strong>The</strong> birth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> ....................................................................................................4<br />
1.3 Henry Dunant – <strong>the</strong> founder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Movement ...........................................5<br />
1.4 <strong>The</strong> emblem ............................................................................................................................. 7<br />
2. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> ........................................................................................................11<br />
2.1 Founding and development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC ........................................................................... 11<br />
2.2 SRC organization ..................................................................................................................15<br />
2.3 Cantonal associations ..........................................................................................................16<br />
2.4 Corporate members ............................................................................................................ 17<br />
2.5 <strong>The</strong> institutions .......................................................................................................................22<br />
2.6 SRC Headquarters ................................................................................................................25<br />
2.7 Voluntary work/youth work ...............................................................................................26<br />
2.8 Strategy and higher aims ...................................................................................................29<br />
2.9 <strong>The</strong> SRC as a partner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> authorities .............................................................. 33<br />
3. Tasks and activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC .................................................................................. 35<br />
3.1 Health ......................................................................................................................................35<br />
3.2 <strong>In</strong>tegration ..............................................................................................................................37<br />
3.3 Rescue .................................................................................................................................... 38<br />
3.4 <strong>In</strong>ternational commitment ..................................................................................................40<br />
4. <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement .......................................... 45<br />
4.1 <strong>In</strong>ternational Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> (ICRC) ........................................................ 46<br />
4.2 <strong>In</strong>ternational Humanitarian Law .......................................................................................47<br />
4.3 <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies (IFRC) ................. 48<br />
4.4 National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies ...........................................................51<br />
5. <strong>The</strong> seven Fundamental Principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> .........................................53
1<br />
1.1 BATTLE OF SOLFERINO<br />
A battle…<br />
� 1859: Battle <strong>of</strong> Solferino (Italy)<br />
� Dunant organizes volunteers to help<br />
<strong>the</strong> wounded – regardless <strong>of</strong><br />
nationality<br />
� 1862: Dunant publishes ‘A Memory <strong>of</strong><br />
Solferino’<br />
…and its consequences<br />
� 1863: Founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ICRC<br />
� 1864: First Geneva Convention<br />
<strong>In</strong> 1859 <strong>the</strong> Kingdom <strong>of</strong> Piedmont-Sardinia<br />
joined forces with France to force Austria<br />
out <strong>of</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn Italy. <strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> battles <strong>of</strong><br />
Magenta and Solferino <strong>the</strong> allied forces <strong>of</strong><br />
Piedmont-Sardinia and France claimed victory.<br />
<strong>The</strong> battle <strong>of</strong> Solferino, a few kilometres<br />
to <strong>the</strong> south <strong>of</strong> Lake Garda, on 24 June<br />
1859, was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bloodiest battles that<br />
had ever taken place at that time. More<br />
than 40,000 soldiers and <strong>of</strong>fi cers were<br />
killed or wounded.<br />
A business trip brought <strong>the</strong> young Geneva<br />
businessman Henry Dunant to Solferino by<br />
chance. He had come to <strong>the</strong> battlefi eld to<br />
seek a business meeting with Napoleon III.<br />
When he realized that thousands <strong>of</strong> injured<br />
soldiers were left lying where <strong>the</strong>y fell without<br />
any assistance, he brought volunteers<br />
from <strong>the</strong> surrounding villages and <strong>the</strong> town<br />
<strong>of</strong> Castiglione to help <strong>the</strong> wounded.<br />
Dunant and <strong>the</strong> volunteers who responded<br />
to his call for help made no distinction<br />
between <strong>the</strong> soldiers, regardless <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
nationality. This attitude was described in<br />
<strong>the</strong> motto <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> women <strong>of</strong> Castiglione:<br />
‘Tutti fratelli’ (Italian for ‘all are bro<strong>the</strong>rs’).<br />
<strong>In</strong> 1862 Dunant described <strong>the</strong>se events in<br />
‘A Memory <strong>of</strong> Solferino’. <strong>In</strong> his book he<br />
demanded an international convention to<br />
protect war victims. He also called for <strong>the</strong><br />
creation <strong>of</strong> relief organizations in all countries.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se would train volunteers during<br />
peacetime to provide support for <strong>the</strong><br />
medical services <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> armed forces during<br />
wartime. This provided <strong>the</strong> impetus for<br />
<strong>the</strong> founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> worldwide <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> &<br />
<strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement.<br />
3
1.2 THE BIRTH OF THE RED CROSS<br />
On 17 February 1863 fi ve people, including<br />
Henry Dunant and General Guillaume<br />
Henri Dufour, met in Geneva to set up <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Committee for Relief to <strong>the</strong><br />
Wounded – later to become known as <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
(ICRC).<br />
That autumn, representatives from 16 countries<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>red for an international congress<br />
in Geneva. This congress took <strong>the</strong> decision<br />
on 29 October 1863 that a relief society<br />
should be set up in every country and that<br />
<strong>the</strong> volunteers and <strong>the</strong> wounded should be<br />
given neutral status on <strong>the</strong> battlefi eld. <strong>The</strong><br />
4<br />
© ICRC<br />
red cross was chosen as a common protection<br />
symbol – <strong>the</strong> inverted colours <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> fl ag. One year later, at an international<br />
conference on 22 August 1864 convened<br />
on <strong>the</strong> initiative <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Federal<br />
Council, <strong>the</strong> fi rst Geneva Convention<br />
was signed by 12 European countries: <strong>the</strong><br />
‘Geneva Convention for <strong>the</strong> Amelioration<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Condition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wounded and Sick<br />
in Armed Forces in <strong>the</strong> Field’.<br />
By 1866, 17 European countries had <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
own national societies for <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong><br />
wounded soldiers.<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> founding committee, Geneva 1863
1.3 HENRY DUNANT – THE FOUNDER<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
OF THE RED CROSS MOVEMENT<br />
* 8 May 1828 in Geneva<br />
1862: ‘A Memory <strong>of</strong> Solferino’<br />
1863: Founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ICRC<br />
1867: Dunant leaves Geneva<br />
(bankrupt)<br />
1895: <strong>The</strong> founder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>,<br />
believed dead, is ‘rediscovered’<br />
1901: First Nobel Peace Prize<br />
† 30 October 1910 in Heiden<br />
(Appenzell Outer Rhodes Canton)<br />
1948: Henry Dunant’s birthday<br />
becomes <strong>the</strong> World <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong><br />
Crescent Day (8 May)<br />
Henry Dunant was born in Geneva on<br />
8 May 1828. Even as a young man, out<br />
<strong>of</strong> religious motives he was committed to<br />
social work.<br />
While on a business trip he came by chance<br />
upon <strong>the</strong> horrors <strong>of</strong> war after <strong>the</strong> battle <strong>of</strong><br />
Solferino. He called upon volunteers from<br />
among <strong>the</strong> local people to help and care<br />
for <strong>the</strong> wounded – regardless <strong>of</strong> which<br />
side <strong>the</strong>y were fi ghting on. Three years<br />
later he published his book ‘A Memory <strong>of</strong><br />
Solferino’. This book provided <strong>the</strong> impetus<br />
for a unique worldwide movement and<br />
humanitarian revolution that started with<br />
<strong>the</strong> founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ICRC in 1863.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> next few years Dunant travelled<br />
throughout Europe working fervently and<br />
successfully on <strong>the</strong> founding <strong>of</strong> National<br />
Henry Dunant at <strong>the</strong> time <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> was founded.<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Societies. However, as a businessman<br />
he proved less successful. When<br />
<strong>the</strong> companies he ran went bankrupt in<br />
<strong>the</strong> late 1860s, Dunant was ostracized by<br />
Geneva society and he was forced to leave<br />
Geneva and <strong>the</strong> ICRC. He became isolated<br />
and faded into obscurity, until he was even<br />
believed dead.<br />
<strong>In</strong> 1895 <strong>the</strong> journalist Georg Baumberger<br />
tracked him down in <strong>the</strong> local hospital in<br />
Heiden in Appenzell. He drew <strong>the</strong> public’s<br />
attention to <strong>the</strong> founder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong>. Dunant subsequently received many<br />
awards and distinctions. <strong>In</strong> 1901 he was<br />
awarded <strong>the</strong> fi rst Nobel Peace Prize for his<br />
work.<br />
Henry Dunant passed away on 30 October<br />
1910 at <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 82. He is buried in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Sihlfeld cemetery in Zurich.<br />
5
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong>, <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>, and <strong>Red</strong> Crescent fl ags adorn a bridge in Geneva to mark World <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Day.<br />
Why is World <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Day celebrated on 8 May?<br />
<strong>The</strong> origins <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> World <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Day<br />
date back to <strong>the</strong> 1920s. When Czechoslovakia<br />
was torn by internal political tensions<br />
in 1922, <strong>the</strong> National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Society<br />
appealed to <strong>the</strong> various parties to hold a<br />
three-day ceasefi re for Easter.<br />
This initiative was known as <strong>the</strong> ‘<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Peace’. It made a signifi cant impression<br />
on <strong>the</strong> public. <strong>The</strong> idea developed that a<br />
day <strong>of</strong> peace should be held every year.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Socie-<br />
6<br />
ties were sceptical. It was not until <strong>the</strong><br />
16 th <strong>In</strong>ternational Conference in London in<br />
1938 that a resolution was passed to institute<br />
a ‘day <strong>of</strong> peace’. However, on account<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Second World War it was only celebrated<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> world for <strong>the</strong> fi rst<br />
time in 1948 as an acknowledgement <strong>of</strong><br />
peace in <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 8 May was chosen as it was <strong>the</strong> birthday<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> founder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>, Henry<br />
Dunant. Since 1984 it has been known as<br />
World <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Day.<br />
© IFRC
1.4 THE EMBLEM<br />
Ever since <strong>the</strong> fi rst Geneva Convention in<br />
1864, <strong>the</strong> red cross on a white background<br />
has been <strong>the</strong> protective symbol for hospitals,<br />
ambulances and <strong>the</strong> medical personnel<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> armed forces. <strong>The</strong> red cross emblem<br />
was devised by inverting <strong>the</strong> colours <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> fl ag. <strong>In</strong> 1878 <strong>the</strong> red crescent was<br />
added. It has been an <strong>of</strong>fi cial protective<br />
symbol since 1929.<br />
<strong>The</strong> red lion was solely used by <strong>the</strong> Persian<br />
National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Society. After <strong>the</strong> fall<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Shah in 1979, <strong>the</strong> Islamic Republic <strong>of</strong><br />
Iran gave up using it and has been using<br />
<strong>the</strong> red crescent as an emblem ever since.<br />
<strong>The</strong> protective symbol (or emblem) has two<br />
meanings:<br />
1. <strong>In</strong> times <strong>of</strong> war it protects <strong>the</strong> victims, <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> staff, and medical personnel <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
armed forces and <strong>the</strong> civil defence corps,<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong>ir quarters, equipment<br />
and vehicles (protective symbol).<br />
2. <strong>In</strong> times <strong>of</strong> peace it serves as information:<br />
it shows that a person, a building or<br />
a specifi c object has a direct connection to<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>. However, in such cases a<br />
smaller emblem is used.<br />
Possible uses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> red crystal<br />
Out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 186 National Societies, 146 use<br />
<strong>the</strong> red cross, 39 use <strong>the</strong> red crescent, while<br />
Israel uses <strong>the</strong> red Star <strong>of</strong> David within <strong>the</strong><br />
country.<br />
Since 2006 <strong>the</strong> red crystal has been <strong>the</strong><br />
third <strong>of</strong>fi cial emblem. This made it possible,<br />
for example, to accept <strong>the</strong> Israeli relief<br />
organization Magen David Adom in <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement.<br />
Even though <strong>the</strong> red crystal has been <strong>of</strong>fi -<br />
cially introduced as <strong>the</strong> third emblem, <strong>the</strong><br />
red cross remains <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cial emblem <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC and <strong>the</strong> ICRC.<br />
7
Misuse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> emblem<br />
<strong>The</strong> rules governing <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> red cross<br />
as a protective symbol and emblem are laid<br />
down in <strong>the</strong> Geneva Conventions. Many<br />
countries, including Switzerland, have also<br />
included <strong>the</strong>se rules in <strong>the</strong>ir national legislations<br />
so that any misuse can be prosecuted<br />
and punished.<br />
<strong>The</strong> symbols <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> red cross, <strong>the</strong> red crescent<br />
and <strong>the</strong> red crystal serve to protect<br />
<strong>the</strong> victims <strong>of</strong> armed confl icts. <strong>The</strong>y can be<br />
used to mark installations, equipment, vehicles,<br />
personnel and medical services, but<br />
in particular <strong>the</strong> wounded and <strong>the</strong> sick in<br />
hospitals. <strong>The</strong>y may only be used by organizations<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> or <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
and <strong>the</strong> medical services <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> armed<br />
forces and <strong>the</strong> civil defence corps.<br />
<strong>In</strong> Switzerland <strong>the</strong> emblem and <strong>name</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> is protected by a federal law.<br />
This law also lays down <strong>the</strong> sanctions to be<br />
applied in <strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong> misuse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>name</strong><br />
and emblem <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>. Misuse can<br />
result in fi nes <strong>of</strong> up to CHF 10,000 or even<br />
a prison sentence.<br />
It does happen that <strong>the</strong> emblem <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> or confusable graphic variations are<br />
used for advertising purposes or as organization<br />
logos. However, this <strong>of</strong>ten occurs<br />
out <strong>of</strong> ignorance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> law. Misuse is most<br />
common in <strong>the</strong> health sector (medicinal<br />
products, hospitals, ambulances).<br />
8
© SRC BTS<br />
© Ueli Hiltpold<br />
© SSB/ASS<br />
© SRC, Murat Türemis © Thomas Wütrich © Rega
2<br />
�<br />
�<br />
THE SWISS RED CROSS<br />
2.1 FOUNDING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SRC<br />
�<br />
17 July 1866: <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
founded in Bern<br />
Founders: General Guillaume Henri<br />
Dufour and <strong>the</strong> federal councillor<br />
Jakob Dubs<br />
Purpose: to help <strong>the</strong> medical services<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> armed forces and<br />
provide welfare for <strong>the</strong> families for<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional soldiers<br />
On <strong>the</strong> initiative <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Committee<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and under <strong>the</strong><br />
patronage <strong>of</strong> General Guillaume Henri<br />
Dufour and <strong>the</strong> federal councillor Jakob<br />
Dubs, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> was founded<br />
in Bern on 17 July 1866 with <strong>the</strong> following<br />
purpose: ‘<strong>The</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Society<br />
is to help <strong>the</strong> medical services <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
armed forces with all <strong>the</strong> resources it has<br />
available, and act as a welfare service for<br />
<strong>the</strong> families <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional soldiers in <strong>the</strong><br />
event <strong>of</strong> war.’<br />
<strong>In</strong> its fi rst relief operation in <strong>the</strong> winter <strong>of</strong><br />
1871, <strong>the</strong> SRC provided care and assistance<br />
for 85,000 soldiers <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> French General<br />
Bourbaki’s army that were interned in Switzerland<br />
(Franco-Prussian War).<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC consolidated its structures at <strong>the</strong><br />
end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 19th century when it founded<br />
<strong>the</strong> regional and cantonal associations,<br />
set up <strong>the</strong> Central Secretariat in Bern and<br />
founded <strong>the</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> Hospital and nursing<br />
school in Bern. First aid and rescue<br />
operations were taken over by organizations<br />
that joined <strong>the</strong> SRC as corporate<br />
members (SMSV, SSB, SLRG, etc.).<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC, founded in 1866, undertook its fi rst major mission during <strong>the</strong><br />
Franco-Prussian War in 1870–71. An excerpt from <strong>the</strong> Bourbaki Panorama<br />
shows a cart carrying wounded soldiers and <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> volunteers.<br />
11<br />
© Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne
Soldiers <strong>of</strong> Bourbaki’s army in <strong>the</strong> Eglise des Terreaux, Lausanne, 1871. <strong>In</strong> early February 1871 more than 85,000 soldiers from General Bourbaki’s army<br />
fl ed to Switzerland. <strong>The</strong> SRC provided care and assistance for <strong>the</strong> troops.<br />
<strong>The</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC both nationally<br />
and internationally was bolstered by <strong>the</strong><br />
two World Wars.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> years <strong>the</strong> civil element increasingly<br />
became more important than <strong>the</strong><br />
military medical element. Soon after it was<br />
founded, <strong>the</strong> SRC was not only training laypersons<br />
as medical workers for <strong>the</strong> armed<br />
forces but also pr<strong>of</strong>essional nurses to care<br />
for <strong>the</strong> sick and injured in times <strong>of</strong> peace.<br />
New tasks have constantly been added<br />
right up to <strong>the</strong> present day: help for <strong>the</strong><br />
socially deprived with or without a migration<br />
background (refugees, sans-papiers),<br />
care and nursing in <strong>the</strong> family, blood transfusion<br />
service, training for medical pr<strong>of</strong>essionals,<br />
relief work abroad, development<br />
cooperation.<br />
12<br />
1866–1914:<br />
Growth and consolidation<br />
<strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> early years <strong>the</strong> SRC grew slowly and<br />
was faced with a large number <strong>of</strong> diffi culties.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC faced its fi rst test in a relief operation<br />
in February and March 1871 when it<br />
cared for 85,000 soldiers from <strong>the</strong> French<br />
army under General Bourbaki who were<br />
interned in Switzerland.<br />
<strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1880s <strong>the</strong> founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
Army Medical Corps (1881) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
Samaritans (1888) fi nally speeded up <strong>the</strong><br />
development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC.<br />
© ICRC
A decisive factor in consolidating <strong>the</strong> SRC’s<br />
structures at <strong>the</strong> turn <strong>of</strong> that century was<br />
<strong>the</strong> founding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> regional and cantonal<br />
SRC associations and <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC Central Secretariat, which acted<br />
as a coordination <strong>of</strong>fi ce between <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Samaritans and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Army Medical Corps.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r milestone was <strong>the</strong> founding <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> nursing school in<br />
Bern. Up until <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> training <strong>of</strong> nurses<br />
had been in <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> religious organizations.<br />
Now anyone was free to train as a<br />
nurse regardless <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir religious affi liation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> fi rst missions abroad were in <strong>the</strong> early<br />
20 th century. <strong>The</strong> SRC sent a delegation <strong>of</strong><br />
doctors to South Africa to help in <strong>the</strong> Boer<br />
War, provided emergency assistance to<br />
<strong>the</strong> victims <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earthquake in <strong>the</strong> Sicilian<br />
town <strong>of</strong> Messina and helped in <strong>the</strong> reconstruction<br />
programme.<br />
SRC child relief during <strong>the</strong> Second<br />
World War: children were innocent<br />
and vulnerable victims <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> brutality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Second World<br />
War. <strong>The</strong> SRC took care <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />
in around 30 European countries<br />
and some were temporarily<br />
evacuated to Switzerland.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>of</strong>fi cial role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC in <strong>the</strong> service<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> armed forces and to promote nursing<br />
was laid down in <strong>the</strong> federal decree <strong>of</strong><br />
1903. This fur<strong>the</strong>r consolidated <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC in Switzerland.<br />
1914–1945:<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC establishes itself<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC’s work during <strong>the</strong> two World<br />
Wars streng<strong>the</strong>ned its position and led it<br />
to broaden its range <strong>of</strong> services, giving it<br />
greater status both nationally and internationally.<br />
First World War 1914–1918: <strong>The</strong> SRC<br />
supported <strong>the</strong> mobilized troops with social<br />
and material resources. It also took charge<br />
<strong>of</strong> repatriating 80,000 wounded soldiers<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> belligerent States in specially equipped<br />
ambulance trains. O<strong>the</strong>r noteworthy<br />
actions are <strong>the</strong> fi ght against Spanish<br />
fl u and <strong>the</strong> organization <strong>of</strong> recuperation<br />
stays for thousands <strong>of</strong> foreign troops.<br />
13
<strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> aftermath <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> First World War:<br />
food supplies to Vienna in 1919 and to <strong>the</strong><br />
famine-stricken people <strong>of</strong> Russia in 1922,<br />
and an SRC hospital expedition to Tsaritsyn<br />
(Stalingrad, now called Volgograd) in collaboration<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Nansen Mission.<br />
Second World War 1939–1945: Within<br />
Switzerland <strong>the</strong> SRC carried out <strong>the</strong> following<br />
tasks: supporting <strong>the</strong> armed forces<br />
and <strong>the</strong> civilian population with personnel<br />
and supplies, organizing a blood transfusion<br />
service and promoting <strong>the</strong> training<br />
<strong>of</strong> nurses. <strong>In</strong>ternationally: child relief (fostering<br />
<strong>of</strong> 180,000 child evacuees from<br />
war zones), aid programmes in favour <strong>of</strong><br />
children in almost all countries <strong>of</strong> Europe,<br />
assistance for <strong>the</strong> civilians and military personnel<br />
interned in Switzerland.<br />
After 1945: Boom period<br />
After <strong>the</strong> Second World War <strong>the</strong> SRC experienced<br />
a boom. Its range <strong>of</strong> activities was<br />
extended and its internal structures were<br />
reorganized. <strong>The</strong> focus shifted more and<br />
more from helping <strong>the</strong> military to helping<br />
civilians.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC made a major contribution to setting<br />
up <strong>the</strong> health-care and social services<br />
in Switzerland. It was in charge <strong>of</strong> setting<br />
Uprising in Hungary in 1956:<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC helps Hungarian refugees to reach refugee camps in Austria<br />
by transporting <strong>the</strong>m from <strong>the</strong> border in <strong>Swiss</strong> postal buses.<br />
14<br />
up and running <strong>the</strong> blood transfusion service<br />
and promoting non-hospital nursing<br />
and ergo<strong>the</strong>rapy. <strong>The</strong> SRC became increasingly<br />
involved in <strong>the</strong> socio-medical sector,<br />
with a driver service, home visits, and <strong>the</strong><br />
training <strong>of</strong> nurses.<br />
And <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> even played a<br />
considerable role in <strong>the</strong> increasing pr<strong>of</strong>essionalization<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> health-care sector<br />
and rescue services (SSB, SLRG, Rega,<br />
REDOG).<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC also helps asylum-seekers and<br />
migrants in Switzerland and provides<br />
disaster relief and reconstruction assistance<br />
abroad.<br />
<strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> development cooperation sector<br />
it is a partner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> government’s<br />
Agency for Development and Cooperation<br />
(SDC) and <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies. Within<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement it is among those National<br />
Societies that conduct <strong>the</strong> most missions<br />
abroad.
2.2 SRC ORGANIZATION<br />
No o<strong>the</strong>r relief organization combines such<br />
a wide variety <strong>of</strong> strengths in <strong>the</strong> health,<br />
integration and rescue sectors as <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>. <strong>The</strong> SRC Group comprises 24<br />
cantonal associations along with fi ve corporate<br />
members (active members), four<br />
institutions, <strong>the</strong> SRC Headquarters and <strong>the</strong><br />
Secretariat <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cantonal associations.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC is an association registered under<br />
civil law and amenable to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Civil<br />
Code. Similar to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Confederation<br />
itself, <strong>the</strong> SRC has a federal structure and a<br />
decentralized organization.<br />
SRC cantonal<br />
associations<br />
24 cantonal<br />
associations<br />
National<br />
Conference<br />
National<br />
Conference<br />
Executive<br />
Committee<br />
National<br />
Secretariat <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
cantonal assoc.<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Assembly<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Council<br />
SRC<br />
Headquarters<br />
· <strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
Cooperation<br />
· Health and<br />
integration<br />
· Centres <strong>of</strong><br />
competence<br />
Associative<br />
work and<br />
support activities<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Assembly<br />
<strong>The</strong> highest body <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC is <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> Assembly, comprising 97 delegates<br />
from <strong>the</strong> SRC’s member organizations (64<br />
representatives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cantonal associations;<br />
33 representatives <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> corporate<br />
members).<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Council<br />
<strong>The</strong> highest management body <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC<br />
is <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Council which has a maximum<br />
<strong>of</strong> nine members. <strong>The</strong> president chairs<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Council and represents <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> in external relations.<br />
MCC<br />
<strong>In</strong>stitutions<br />
Lindenh<strong>of</strong><br />
hospital<br />
and nursing<br />
school<br />
SRC<br />
Blood Transfusion<br />
Service<br />
SRC<br />
Humanitarian<br />
Foundation<br />
SRC Rescue Team<br />
15<br />
SRC corporate<br />
members<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Samaritans<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Air-Rescue<br />
Association (Rega)<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Life-Saving<br />
Association<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Disaster<br />
Dogs Association<br />
(REDOG)<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Army<br />
Medical<br />
Association
2.3 CANTONAL ASSOCIATIONS<br />
Similar to <strong>the</strong> federal structure <strong>of</strong> Switzerland,<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC is a decentralized organization,<br />
with 24 cantonal associations<br />
throughout Switzerland.<br />
<strong>The</strong> cantonal associations rely on <strong>the</strong> commitment<br />
<strong>of</strong> more than 2,000 staff and over<br />
10,000 volunteers.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 24 cantonal associations adjust <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
work to <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> local population<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir catchment area. <strong>The</strong>y are independent<br />
associations.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y mainly provide services in <strong>the</strong> health<br />
promotion, support and integration sectors.<br />
<strong>The</strong> services are intended for <strong>the</strong><br />
elderly and <strong>the</strong> sick, <strong>the</strong> housebound and<br />
16<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir family carers, families with children,<br />
and children and teenagers.<br />
For issues <strong>of</strong> nationwide signifi cance, <strong>the</strong><br />
cantonal associations work toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ir collaboration is coordinated by <strong>the</strong><br />
National Conference <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cantonal <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> Associations and <strong>the</strong> National Conference<br />
<strong>of</strong> Cantonal Association Managers.<br />
<strong>The</strong> governing body <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cantonal<br />
associations is <strong>the</strong> Executive Committee.<br />
<strong>The</strong> cantonal associations have <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
National Secretariat in Bern. <strong>The</strong> National<br />
Secretariat <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cantonal associations<br />
carries out <strong>the</strong> organizational and administrative<br />
work for <strong>the</strong> governing bodies <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> cantonal associations.
2.4 CORPORATE MEMBERS<br />
<strong>In</strong> addition to its 24 cantonal associations,<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC has fi ve corporate members. <strong>The</strong>se<br />
corporate members are national organizations<br />
that are specialized in rescue operations,<br />
rescue operations on and in water,<br />
air-rescue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wounded and sick, search<br />
operations with dog teams, etc.<br />
<strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir work <strong>the</strong> corporate members must<br />
take account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seven Fundamental<br />
Principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement. <strong>The</strong>y are entitled to use <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> emblem in addition to <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />
logo.<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Samaritans (SSB/ASS)<br />
�<br />
�<br />
www.samariter.ch<br />
Rescue, medical and health-care<br />
services<br />
Training <strong>of</strong> laypersons, nursing, youth<br />
work, blood donor recruitment campaigns,<br />
social care services<br />
<strong>In</strong> Switzerland, <strong>the</strong>re are more than 35,000<br />
active Samaritans in around 1,200 local<br />
Samaritan associations. <strong>The</strong>ir cantonal<br />
associations make up <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Samaritans<br />
(SSB/ASS) with its headquarters in Olten.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SSB was founded in 1888 and has<br />
been a corporate member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC since<br />
1984. It helps to ensure that every accident<br />
victim or anyone who suddenly falls ill<br />
receives appropriate fi rst aid and that help<br />
is provided for anyone in need <strong>of</strong> physical<br />
or psychological assistance.<br />
Role:<br />
� Providing sick people and accident victims<br />
with fi rst aid in accordance with <strong>the</strong><br />
principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
� Public courses: fi rst aid, Samaritans, CPR,<br />
home nursing care, fi rst aid training for<br />
laypersons, Samaritans and third parties<br />
� Medical services and deployment:<br />
urgent assistance and care for people in<br />
<strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong> sudden illness or accident,<br />
paramedical services at public events,<br />
support for pr<strong>of</strong>essional rescue services<br />
in exceptional situations, blood donor<br />
recruitment campaigns<br />
� Youth work: running junior Samaritan<br />
groups, fi rst aid lessons in schools, provision<br />
<strong>of</strong> holiday passes<br />
� Pr<strong>of</strong>essional courses: training for pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
ambulance staff and ambulance<br />
transport assistants, fi rst aid courses for<br />
companies<br />
17<br />
© SSB/ASS
<strong>Swiss</strong> Air-Rescue Association (Rega)<br />
www.rega.ch<br />
�<br />
�<br />
Air rescue, search and rescue fl ights,<br />
recovery fl ights, transfer fl ights<br />
Repatriation fl ights, medical advice in<br />
emergency situations abroad<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Air-Rescue Association, Rega (an<br />
acronym for REttungsfl ugwacht and Garde<br />
Aérienne/Guardia Aerea) was founded in<br />
1952 and has been a corporate member<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC since 1981. It is an independent<br />
and private charitable foundation that<br />
operates under <strong>the</strong> supervision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
Federal Council.<br />
18<br />
Role:<br />
� Rega provides emergency air assistance<br />
at home and abroad.<br />
� <strong>The</strong> foundation aims to provide assistance<br />
in accordance with <strong>the</strong> principles<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> to people in emergencies<br />
or o<strong>the</strong>rwise in need.<br />
� It is particularly involved in rescue work<br />
and in providing emergency assistance<br />
for people who have had an accident<br />
or who have fallen ill, but also in <strong>the</strong><br />
prevention <strong>of</strong> emergencies.<br />
� It may use its resources to provide<br />
assistance to those in social distress.<br />
© Rega<br />
© Rega
<strong>Swiss</strong> Life-Saving Association<br />
(SLRG/SSS)<br />
�<br />
�<br />
www.slrg.ch<br />
Life-saving, teaching about <strong>the</strong> dangers<br />
<strong>of</strong> being around water<br />
Life-saving courses, popular sports,<br />
youth work, rescue services<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Life-Saving Association (founded<br />
in 1933, a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC since 1982)<br />
is involved in accident prevention and lifesaving<br />
in all types <strong>of</strong> emergency situations,<br />
particularly in standing or fl owing water. It<br />
informs <strong>the</strong> general public about <strong>the</strong> correct<br />
behaviour to adopt in and around<br />
water. It has more than 27,000 members<br />
that belong to its local sections.<br />
© SRC – Youth<br />
Role:<br />
� <strong>The</strong> SLRG is a charitable organization<br />
that operates in accordance with ZEWO<br />
guidelines. Its purpose is to protect and<br />
save human life in and around water.<br />
� It acts in accordance with <strong>the</strong> principles,<br />
statutes, guidelines and resolutions <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC.<br />
� It provides information on <strong>the</strong> potential<br />
dangers <strong>of</strong> water.<br />
� It is involved in swimming as a popular<br />
sport.<br />
� It is involved in strategic youth work and<br />
training <strong>the</strong> next generation.<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
It provides training for life-savers <strong>of</strong><br />
all ages and ensures <strong>the</strong>ir deployment<br />
capability by <strong>of</strong>fering ongoing training.<br />
It is involved in lifeguarding and lifesaving<br />
work.<br />
It cooperates with o<strong>the</strong>r life-saving and<br />
water sports organizations.<br />
19<br />
© SLRG/SSS Section Thun-Oberland
<strong>Swiss</strong> Disaster Dogs Association<br />
(REDOG)<br />
�<br />
�<br />
REDOG<br />
www.redog.ch<br />
Rescuing missing persons and those<br />
buried under rubble<br />
Training and deployment <strong>of</strong> search<br />
and rescue teams (dog & handler =<br />
team)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Disaster Dogs Association<br />
(REDOG), founded in 1971 (member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC since 1984), consists <strong>of</strong> approximately<br />
650 members in 12 regional groups and is<br />
based on voluntary work. REDOG is run<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Central Committee and <strong>the</strong> Technical<br />
Commission. Basic training is conducted<br />
individually by <strong>the</strong> regional groups in accordance<br />
with <strong>the</strong> guidelines <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Technical<br />
Commission. <strong>The</strong> headquarters <strong>of</strong> REDOG<br />
are in Olten.<br />
Role:<br />
� To develop and maintain a system for<br />
raising <strong>the</strong> alarm and organizing <strong>the</strong><br />
task force<br />
� Training and deployment <strong>of</strong> disaster<br />
dogs and open terrain and mountain<br />
search and rescue dog teams<br />
� Conducting exercises and trials for<br />
disaster dogs and for open terrain and<br />
mountain dog teams<br />
� Search and rescue <strong>of</strong> people buried or<br />
trapped as a result <strong>of</strong> natural disasters<br />
or following <strong>the</strong> collapse <strong>of</strong> buildings<br />
� Searches for missing people in prealpine<br />
terrain toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
Alpine Rescue Association<br />
� Public relations work<br />
© <strong>Red</strong>og
<strong>Swiss</strong> Army Medical Association<br />
(SMSV/SSTS)<br />
�<br />
�<br />
www.smsv.ch<br />
Rescue and medical services<br />
(non-military)<br />
First aid, emergency assistance and<br />
CPR courses, medical service, youth<br />
work<br />
Founded in 1881, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Army Medical<br />
Association (SMSV/SSTS) has around 570<br />
members and is divided into three regions<br />
(French-speaking Switzerland, Central and<br />
Eastern) and 25 sections <strong>of</strong> which one is<br />
a youth section. Since1982, <strong>the</strong> SMSV has<br />
been a corporate member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong>. <strong>The</strong> SMSV is an active participant in<br />
<strong>the</strong> coordinated medical service.<br />
Role:<br />
� Providing regular <strong>of</strong>f-duty training in <strong>the</strong><br />
medical service <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> armed forces<br />
� Organizing courses<br />
� Training instructors<br />
� Medical services at public events<br />
� Promoting <strong>the</strong> neutrality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
armed forces<br />
� Physical exercise, sport<br />
�<br />
Youth training camp (AULA)<br />
21<br />
© SMSV/SSTS
2.5 THE INSTITUTIONS<br />
<strong>In</strong> certain sectors, <strong>the</strong> SRC has founded<br />
organizations that operate under private<br />
law (foundation or joint stock company) or<br />
civil law (association).<br />
<strong>The</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> Foundation in Bern runs a<br />
nursing school that provides undergraduate<br />
and graduate training for <strong>the</strong> nursing<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ession. <strong>The</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> Foundation<br />
also runs a hospital that serves as a clinical<br />
training facility for <strong>the</strong> nursing school.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC Humanitarian Foundation in Bern<br />
is a special institution that uses <strong>the</strong> proceeds<br />
from its foundation capital to support<br />
humanitarian projects run by <strong>the</strong> SRC<br />
and <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Movement. O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
SRC institutions are <strong>the</strong> SRC Blood Transfusion<br />
Service in Bern, which includes <strong>the</strong><br />
13 regional blood transfusion services, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC Rescue Team, which unites all <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC organizations operating in this sector.<br />
<strong>The</strong>ir mission is set out in <strong>the</strong> individual<br />
foundations’ statutes. <strong>The</strong> foundations are<br />
under <strong>the</strong> supervision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> relevant government<br />
authority. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Council<br />
generally appoints <strong>the</strong> members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
management body.<br />
22<br />
Lindenh<strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Nursing Foundation,<br />
Bern (hospital and nursing school)<br />
www.lindenh<strong>of</strong>spital.ch<br />
www.lindenh<strong>of</strong>-schule.ch<br />
<strong>The</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Nursing Foundation<br />
in Bern was recognized as an independent<br />
charitable foundation by <strong>the</strong> Grand<br />
Council <strong>of</strong> Bern Canton in 1908. One <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> primary missions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> nursing<br />
school, which has been in existence<br />
since 1899, is to provide undergarduate<br />
and postgraduate training for qualifi ed<br />
nursing pr<strong>of</strong>essionals. <strong>The</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> hospital,<br />
founded in 1907, is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> largest<br />
private hospitals in Switzerland and<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers a comprehensive range <strong>of</strong> primary<br />
and specialized medical care services. <strong>The</strong><br />
Lindenh<strong>of</strong> hospital provides education and<br />
clinical training facilities for <strong>the</strong> nursing sector<br />
and all <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r medical pr<strong>of</strong>essions.
HOSPITAL: <strong>The</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> hospital is a private<br />
charitable hospital <strong>of</strong>fering a comprehensive<br />
range <strong>of</strong> medical services. It is recognized<br />
as an <strong>of</strong>fi cial service provider by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Canton <strong>of</strong> Bern. It <strong>of</strong>fers its services in<br />
accordance with <strong>the</strong> legal provisions and its<br />
facilities for every section <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community<br />
and for all insurance categories. <strong>The</strong> hospital<br />
does not receive any public funding.<br />
From 2008–2012, <strong>the</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> hospital<br />
will be investing in major structural work to<br />
replace existing facilities so that it can <strong>of</strong>fer<br />
progressive and effi cient services.<br />
SCHOOL: <strong>The</strong> school was founded in 1899<br />
and played a leading role in <strong>the</strong> training <strong>of</strong><br />
nurses up until September 2007. <strong>The</strong>n on a<br />
resolution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Bern government, all nursing<br />
schools were centralized. <strong>The</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong><br />
Foundation is now one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main institutions<br />
in <strong>the</strong> newly created Bern training<br />
centre for nursing. Despite this merger, <strong>the</strong><br />
former Lindenh<strong>of</strong> school is still in existence<br />
and will remain active in <strong>the</strong> graduate<br />
training sector. <strong>In</strong> collaboration with vocational<br />
colleges, training courses will also be<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered in <strong>the</strong> vocational college sector.<br />
SRC Blood Transfusion Service<br />
www.blutspende.ch<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC Blood Transfusion Service is a<br />
charitable joint stock company with <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC as <strong>the</strong> majority shareholder and <strong>the</strong><br />
13 regional blood transfusion centres as<br />
minority shareholders. <strong>The</strong> work is regulated<br />
by cooperation agreements.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 13 regional blood transfusion services<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> 60 blood transfusion centres<br />
supply <strong>the</strong> hospitals in <strong>the</strong>ir respective<br />
regions. <strong>In</strong> cooperation with <strong>the</strong> Samaritan<br />
associations, mobile teams supply rural<br />
areas.<br />
<strong>The</strong> government resolution passed in June<br />
1951, which states that <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> ‘blood transfusion service for civil and<br />
military purposes’ is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most important<br />
missions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC, provides <strong>the</strong> legal<br />
basis for <strong>the</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Blood Transfusion<br />
Service.<br />
23<br />
© SRC BTS
SRC Humanitarian Foundation<br />
www.hs-srk.ch<br />
Support…<br />
� for <strong>the</strong> SRC in carrying out its<br />
humanitarian work<br />
� for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement<br />
� for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Blood Transfusion<br />
Service<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC Humanitarian Foundation is a<br />
charitable foundation established by <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC with headquarters in Bern. It supports<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> in its humanitarian<br />
work both in Switzerland and o<strong>the</strong>r countries.<br />
<strong>The</strong> proceeds generated from <strong>the</strong><br />
foundation’s assets are used to fund projects<br />
run by <strong>the</strong> SRC and o<strong>the</strong>r organizations<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong><br />
Crescent Movement.<br />
Role:<br />
� Providing support for <strong>the</strong> SRC in its<br />
humanitarian work in Switzerland and<br />
abroad<br />
� Providing support for projects run by <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement<br />
� Collaboration in ensuring that Switzerland<br />
is supplied with blood products<br />
on <strong>the</strong> basis <strong>of</strong> voluntary, unremunerated<br />
blood donations and in promot-<br />
24<br />
ing research and development in <strong>the</strong><br />
transfusion sector; it also assists foreign<br />
partner organizations in <strong>the</strong> development<br />
<strong>of</strong> and compliance with quality and<br />
safety requirements in <strong>the</strong> blood transfusion<br />
sector, all entirely on a charitable<br />
and non-pr<strong>of</strong>i t basis<br />
SRC Rescue Team<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC Rescue Team fosters cooperation<br />
among <strong>the</strong> rescue organizations providing<br />
fi rst aid training for laypersons.<br />
As an active member, <strong>the</strong> SRC Rescue Team<br />
comprises <strong>the</strong> SRC and those corporate<br />
members working in <strong>the</strong> rescue services:<br />
� <strong>Swiss</strong> Samaritans (SSB/ASS)<br />
� <strong>Swiss</strong> Life-Saving Association<br />
(SLRG/SSS)<br />
� <strong>Swiss</strong> Air-Rescue Association (Rega)<br />
� <strong>Swiss</strong> Army Medical Association<br />
(SMSV/SSTS)<br />
� <strong>Swiss</strong> Disaster Dogs Association<br />
(REDOG)<br />
Passive members:<br />
� <strong>Swiss</strong> Alpine Rescue Foundation<br />
� <strong>Swiss</strong> Speleological Society (SSS)<br />
Guest organizations:<br />
� Federal Offi ce for Civil Protection<br />
(FOCP)<br />
� Federal Offi ce for Logistics Troops<br />
(BALOG)
2.6 SRC HEADQUARTERS<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
Cooperation<br />
Management Services<br />
Health & <strong>In</strong>tegration<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC <strong>of</strong>fi ces in Bern and Wabern handle<br />
<strong>the</strong> day-to-day business <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC at<br />
national level. <strong>The</strong>y carry out <strong>the</strong> instructions<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Assembly and <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Council and are <strong>the</strong> centre <strong>of</strong><br />
expertise and services for <strong>the</strong> whole SRC<br />
Group. <strong>The</strong> SRC Headquarters are divided<br />
into four departments:<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Cooperation<br />
� Disaster relief (within Switzerland or<br />
abroad)<br />
� Reconstruction<br />
� Development cooperation<br />
Health & <strong>In</strong>tegration<br />
� Health<br />
� <strong>In</strong>tegration<br />
� SRC Outpatient Clinic for victims <strong>of</strong><br />
torture and war<br />
� Asylum<br />
Director-General<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
Marketing<br />
& Communication<br />
Vocational Training<br />
Fundamentals & Development<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Service<br />
Marketing & Communication<br />
� Marketing<br />
� Fundraising<br />
� Communication<br />
25<br />
Finance, Human<br />
Resources & Logistics<br />
Finance, Human Resources & Logistics<br />
� Accounting & Auditing<br />
� Human Resources<br />
� <strong>In</strong>ternal Services<br />
� IT Service<br />
<strong>The</strong> Management Services comprise <strong>the</strong><br />
Management Secretariat, <strong>the</strong> Legal Service,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Delegate for <strong>In</strong>ternational Relations,<br />
a Competence Centre for Youth and<br />
a Competence Centre for Voluntary Work,<br />
and <strong>In</strong>stitutional Development.
2.7 VOLUNTARY WORK / YOUTH WORK<br />
Voluntary work<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> cantonal associations, <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
Samaritans, <strong>the</strong> Life-Saving Society and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Disaster Dogs Association would not<br />
be able to provide <strong>the</strong>ir humanitarian services<br />
to <strong>the</strong> same extent were it not for <strong>the</strong><br />
work <strong>of</strong> around 50,000 men and women<br />
who volunteer to devote <strong>the</strong>ir free time to<br />
helping <strong>the</strong> needy and <strong>the</strong> vulnerable. Each<br />
year SRC volunteers provide more than 1.6<br />
million hours <strong>of</strong> unpaid help. That is <strong>the</strong><br />
‘I am using my good fortune to help <strong>the</strong> less fortunate.‘ <strong>In</strong> her spare time Sharon Torre, a schoolgirl from Münchenstein (BL), takes care <strong>of</strong> a young<br />
disabled man and helps a Turkish girl with her homework.<br />
26<br />
equivalent <strong>of</strong> more than 40 million <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
francs’ worth <strong>of</strong> work.<br />
That makes <strong>the</strong> SRC one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leading<br />
voluntary organizations in Switzerland. <strong>The</strong><br />
cantonal associations and <strong>the</strong> SRC rescue<br />
organizations have a great deal <strong>of</strong> experience<br />
in working with volunteers. Since 2008<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC has had a Competence Centre for<br />
Voluntary Work. Its purpose is to promote<br />
<strong>the</strong> exchange <strong>of</strong> know-how and experi-<br />
© Annemarie Guerts
ence between organizations and support<br />
<strong>the</strong>m with specialist expertise so that <strong>the</strong><br />
voluntary work is <strong>the</strong> best it can be and is<br />
adapted to <strong>the</strong> changing challenges <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
environment.<br />
<strong>In</strong> future, greater account will be taken <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> following factors:<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
Stricter requirements for qualifi cations<br />
and safety in <strong>the</strong> health and rescue sectors.<br />
Careful training must be given to<br />
volunteers as appropriate.<br />
Social changes, such as increasing<br />
pressures <strong>of</strong> work for some people, or<br />
increasing economic problems for o<strong>the</strong>rs,<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r with new trends in leisure are<br />
causing a drop-<strong>of</strong>f in <strong>the</strong> willingness to<br />
do voluntary work.<br />
Solidarity with <strong>the</strong> vulnerable or <strong>the</strong><br />
community experience are no longer<br />
suffi cient motives for voluntary work.<br />
Many people are placing greater<br />
demands on voluntary work: qualifi ed,<br />
varied work with a limited time commitment<br />
are more in demand, enabling<br />
<strong>the</strong> volunteers to apply <strong>the</strong>ir specialist<br />
know-how and giving <strong>the</strong>m a sense <strong>of</strong><br />
achievement and self-assurance.<br />
Even volunteers expect some form <strong>of</strong><br />
appreciation. <strong>The</strong> involvement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
volunteers in <strong>the</strong>ir activity and public<br />
recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir contribution play a<br />
major role in this.<br />
Without <strong>the</strong> valuable voluntary work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Samaritans many sports<br />
fi xtures and major public events could not be held.<br />
Volunteers work under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> banner<br />
in <strong>the</strong> following sectors:<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
Running courses, e.g. in fi rst aid, for <strong>the</strong><br />
SSB, SLRG, SMVS, <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Service<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r organizations<br />
Youth work with <strong>the</strong> Samaritans, SLRG<br />
and Junior <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Providing care and assistance for <strong>the</strong><br />
sick and easing <strong>the</strong> burden on family<br />
carers<br />
Volunteer drivers<br />
<strong>In</strong>tegration programme for children from<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r cultures<br />
Rescue dog teams<br />
SSB or SMSV fi rst-aid teams at public<br />
events<br />
SLRG life-savers during water sports<br />
events<br />
� And many more<br />
27<br />
© SSB/ASS
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Youth<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> youth<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
For young people up to <strong>the</strong> age <strong>of</strong> 30<br />
Four junior organizations<br />
Three sectors: fi rst aid, life-saving,<br />
social services<br />
National <strong>of</strong>fers: training camp, youth<br />
magazine, campaigns<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Youth inculdes <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Samaritans Youth (HELP), <strong>the</strong> Youth<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Life-Saving Association (SLRG/<br />
SSS), <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Youth sections <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
cantonal associations and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Army<br />
Medical Association Youth (SMSV/SSTS).<br />
28<br />
<strong>The</strong> Competence Centre for Youth at SRC<br />
Headquarters is responsible for coordinating<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC Youth organizations.<br />
Services and activities <strong>of</strong>fered at national<br />
level:<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
Training camps and weekends for young<br />
people aged between 16 and 25 in all<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC Youth organizations<br />
‘across’ national summer camp<br />
(bilingual in German-French)<br />
Publishing <strong>the</strong> SRC Youth magazine<br />
‘ready for red cross‘<br />
Campaign: 2007–2009: ‘Your strengths.<br />
Your future. No pressure!’ (international<br />
campaign with Youth organizations <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> German, Austrian and Luxembourg<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>)<br />
© SRC – Youth
2.8 STRATEGY AND HIGHER AIMS<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Strategy 012<br />
Strategy 012 is a kind <strong>of</strong> ‘umbrella<br />
strategy’ for <strong>the</strong> 29 member organizations<br />
and <strong>the</strong> four institutions<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC. It sets out <strong>the</strong> strategic<br />
orientation to be taken by <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
SRC Group from 2008–2012.<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
Target group: as a humanitarian<br />
organization, <strong>the</strong> SRC directs its services<br />
at people in Switzerland and abroad<br />
whose lives, health or dignity are threatened<br />
or violated (vulnerable people).<br />
Core activities: in Switzerland, <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC concentrates on <strong>the</strong> core activities<br />
health, integration and rescue.<br />
Abroad, <strong>the</strong> SRC group works in disaster<br />
relief, reconstruction and longerterm<br />
development cooperation.<br />
Core areas <strong>of</strong> expertise: in order to continue<br />
to provide high-quality services in<br />
its three core areas <strong>of</strong> activity, <strong>the</strong> SRC<br />
is consolidating its expertise in <strong>the</strong> fi elds<br />
<strong>of</strong> voluntary work, youth work and<br />
education.<br />
Values: <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC is based on<br />
<strong>the</strong> seven principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC embodies a constructive ethos<br />
<strong>of</strong> communication and cooperation.<br />
Resources: <strong>the</strong> volunteers and paid staff<br />
working for <strong>the</strong> SRC are its most valuable<br />
resource. <strong>The</strong> SRC <strong>the</strong>refore takes<br />
appropriate care <strong>of</strong> this resource.<br />
Health<br />
<strong>In</strong>tegration<br />
Rescue<br />
Culture <strong>of</strong><br />
constructive<br />
communication<br />
and<br />
collaboration<br />
Vulnerable<br />
people<br />
Volunteers<br />
Unpaid<br />
Employees<br />
29<br />
Voluntary work<br />
Youth<br />
Training<br />
Health<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC Group is <strong>the</strong> leading humanitarian<br />
organization in <strong>the</strong> health sector in Switzerland<br />
and has a great deal <strong>of</strong> expertise.<br />
Its core area Health comprises a range <strong>of</strong><br />
prevention and health-promotion activities,<br />
in addition to <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> services<br />
and education in <strong>the</strong> health sector.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> focus points <strong>of</strong> Strategy 012<br />
is <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> support for <strong>the</strong> housebound<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir relatives. <strong>In</strong> providing<br />
services in this sector, <strong>the</strong> SRC is taking<br />
account <strong>of</strong> society’s changing age structure<br />
and <strong>the</strong> growing pressure on costs in <strong>the</strong><br />
health sector.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r focus point is <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong><br />
health care for those with inadequate<br />
access to <strong>the</strong> health system. <strong>In</strong> doing this,<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC is responding to <strong>the</strong> growing<br />
number <strong>of</strong> socially disadvantaged people<br />
who are consequently deprived <strong>of</strong> normal<br />
access to health facilities.
Through its blood transfusion service, <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC also supplies <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> Switzerland<br />
with blood products.<br />
<strong>In</strong>tegration<br />
<strong>The</strong> growing pluralization <strong>of</strong> society and <strong>the</strong><br />
ever greater gulf between rich and poor<br />
have resulted in an increasing number <strong>of</strong><br />
socially excluded and isolated people. Cultural<br />
differences within <strong>the</strong> population as a<br />
result <strong>of</strong> migration add to <strong>the</strong>se problems.<br />
<strong>The</strong> core area <strong>In</strong>tegration comprises services<br />
to prevent social exclusion, toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
with counselling, networking and training<br />
to promote integration and peaceful coexistence<br />
within Switzerland. <strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong><br />
people for whom integration has proven<br />
impossible, <strong>the</strong> SRC provides support for<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir return home and re-integration in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir country <strong>of</strong> origin.<br />
30<br />
© Sandra D. Sutter<br />
‘Mitten unter uns‘ integration project: in order to achieve successful integration,<br />
we need to get to know one ano<strong>the</strong>r. <strong>The</strong> SRC is <strong>the</strong>refore involved<br />
in promoting friendship between foreign children and <strong>Swiss</strong> families.<br />
Rescue<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC complements <strong>the</strong> national rescue<br />
services with a number <strong>of</strong> voluntary and<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionally run services. It cooperates<br />
closely with <strong>the</strong> government, cantons and<br />
local authorities.<br />
<strong>The</strong> core area Rescue includes a range <strong>of</strong><br />
prevention and training measures in addition<br />
to o<strong>the</strong>r services relating to rescue, fi rst<br />
aid/medical services, disaster preparedness,<br />
disaster relief and search and rescue.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Air-Rescue Association (Rega) is particularly involved in rescue<br />
work and in providing emergency assistance for people who have had an<br />
accident or who have fallen ill.<br />
<strong>In</strong> accordance with Strategy 012 <strong>the</strong> SRC<br />
intends to maintain its position as <strong>the</strong> leading<br />
humanitarian organization in Switzerland<br />
in voluntary rescue operations on land<br />
and in water and in pr<strong>of</strong>essional air-rescue<br />
operations.<br />
An important aspect <strong>of</strong> this is <strong>the</strong> training<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> public in fi rst aid. This contributes<br />
to improving <strong>the</strong> chances that <strong>the</strong><br />
alarm will be raised immediately and that<br />
appropriate life-saving measures will be<br />
taken when accidents occur.<br />
© Rega
SRC work abroad<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
Disaster relief<br />
Reconstruction<br />
Development cooperation<br />
Outside Switzerland, <strong>the</strong> SRC Group, as<br />
part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Movement,<br />
is active in disaster relief, reconstruction<br />
and longer-term development<br />
cooperation. <strong>The</strong> SRC’s work abroad is an<br />
expression <strong>of</strong> its solidarity with people outside<br />
Switzerland whose life, health or dignity<br />
are threatened or violated.<br />
<strong>In</strong> international disaster relief, <strong>the</strong> SRC<br />
has made it its goal to remain <strong>the</strong> major<br />
national partner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> government.<br />
<strong>In</strong> reconstruction and longer-term development<br />
cooperation, <strong>the</strong> SRC plans to<br />
concentrate to a greater extent on <strong>the</strong><br />
health sector. <strong>In</strong> development cooperation,<br />
it focuses in particular on developing and<br />
expanding local health structures in specifi<br />
c target countries. Additional emphasis<br />
is placed on combating infectious diseases<br />
Abroad, <strong>the</strong> SRC works in disaster relief, reconstruction and longer-term<br />
development cooperation.<br />
© IFRC, Frederik Barkenhammer<br />
and poverty-induced blindness in addition<br />
to improving local blood transfusion services.<br />
Voluntary work<br />
�<br />
�<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> largest voluntary<br />
organizations in Switzerland.<br />
Commitment to <strong>the</strong> promotion <strong>of</strong><br />
voluntary work and to gaining public<br />
recognition for it from government<br />
and society.<br />
Voluntary work is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main pillars <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC’s services in <strong>the</strong> health, social and<br />
rescue sectors. <strong>The</strong> SRC relies heavily on<br />
volunteers in order to provide <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong><br />
services <strong>of</strong>fered by most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC organizations.<br />
At national level, <strong>the</strong> SRC actively promotes<br />
voluntary work and strives to gain<br />
public recognition for it from government<br />
and society at large.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> objectives <strong>of</strong> Strategy 012 is<br />
to diversify <strong>the</strong> deployment opportunities<br />
for volunteers so that interested parties <strong>of</strong><br />
all ages can be <strong>of</strong>fered attractive work <strong>of</strong><br />
varying duration and with differing levels<br />
<strong>of</strong> commitment in terms <strong>of</strong> time. <strong>In</strong> this<br />
context, greater efforts should be made to<br />
attract young people and pr<strong>of</strong>essionals to<br />
devote some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir time to voluntary work<br />
in <strong>the</strong> SRC.<br />
31
Youth work<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> active community<br />
youth groups<br />
Training courses for young people<br />
Youth representatives in organizations<br />
and committees<br />
Many young people are motivated by<br />
humanitarian issues and can identify with<br />
<strong>the</strong> values and principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Movement. <strong>The</strong> SRC relies<br />
on young, committed individuals to promote<br />
<strong>the</strong>se values and principles, carry out<br />
grass-roots work and participate in organizations<br />
and committees in a voluntary<br />
capacity.<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> Strategy 012, <strong>the</strong> SRC is planning<br />
to develop more active community youth<br />
groups. To this end, training courses should<br />
be provided to give young people <strong>the</strong> skills<br />
<strong>the</strong>y need to take on voluntary work.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC also aims to ensure that young<br />
people are suffi ciently represented in organizations<br />
and committees.<br />
© Henrik Sellin, Swedish <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Courses<br />
� Providing extracurricular and<br />
extrapr<strong>of</strong>essional training courses<br />
� Developing training courses in health,<br />
integration and rescue<br />
� Quality is a primary objective<br />
Providing extracurricular and extrapr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
training courses is a core activity <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC and its member organizations. <strong>The</strong><br />
courses <strong>of</strong>fered by <strong>the</strong> SRC are directed at<br />
SRC volunteers and paid employees, external<br />
SRC service providers, and <strong>the</strong> general<br />
public.<br />
<strong>In</strong> accordance with Strategy 012, <strong>the</strong> SRC<br />
is to develop <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong> education and<br />
training opportunities in <strong>the</strong> health, integration<br />
and rescue sectors. <strong>In</strong> this context,<br />
quality is <strong>the</strong> primary objective.<br />
© Daniel Wietlisbach
2.9 THE SRC AS A PARTNER OF THE SWISS AUTHORITIES<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC is <strong>the</strong> only humanitarian organization<br />
recognized as a <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Society in<br />
Switzerland in accordance with <strong>the</strong> Geneva<br />
Conventions. A duty to support <strong>the</strong> state in<br />
fulfi lling its role in <strong>the</strong> humanitarian fi eld is<br />
inherent in this recognition.<br />
Among o<strong>the</strong>r things, <strong>the</strong> SRC is responsible<br />
for providing voluntary medical assistance<br />
in confl ict situations and a blood transfusion<br />
service for civil and military purposes.<br />
<strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> health and social sector, <strong>the</strong> SRC<br />
works at regional level in all cantons in<br />
Switzerland.<br />
While <strong>the</strong> SRC as an association operates<br />
under private law, it also has close connections<br />
with government and cantonal<br />
authorities for which it carries out certain<br />
services and missions. Never<strong>the</strong>less, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> is politically independent<br />
as required by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> principle <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>In</strong>dependence.
© Daniel Albert
3<br />
3.1 HEALTH<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
TASKS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE SRC<br />
Courses for <strong>the</strong> general public<br />
(e.g. care, perinatal classes, babysitting<br />
classes, ‘PPP’ – dealing with <strong>the</strong><br />
teenage years, etc.)<br />
Extracurricular and extrapr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
training courses (e.g. nursing assistant,<br />
transcultural skills, etc.)<br />
Outpatient ergo<strong>the</strong>rapy<br />
SRC living will<br />
Health promotion among migrants<br />
and sans-papiers<br />
SRC Outpatient Clinic for victims <strong>of</strong><br />
torture and war<br />
Vocational training in <strong>the</strong> health sector<br />
Development cooperation<br />
Supplying <strong>the</strong> population with blood<br />
products<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC promotes healthy living among<br />
<strong>the</strong> general public and helps people to<br />
maintain or regain <strong>the</strong>ir health. By <strong>of</strong>fering<br />
training for specialists, courses for <strong>the</strong><br />
general public and brochures and guides,<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> consolidates and promotes<br />
health skills in Switzerland. Every year,<br />
thousands <strong>of</strong> laypersons and health pr<strong>of</strong>essionals<br />
attend SRC courses in health<br />
care and nursing.<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> courses impart knowledge and<br />
promote awareness <strong>of</strong> health issues. Topics<br />
covered are, for example, caring for<br />
relatives, baby care, depression, sleep<br />
disorders and <strong>the</strong> principles <strong>of</strong> good nutrition.<br />
<strong>The</strong> cantonal associations and <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
Samaritans are particularly active in this<br />
sector. <strong>The</strong> SRC takes care <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> health<br />
<strong>of</strong> migrants and sans-papiers and boosts<br />
awareness <strong>of</strong> humanitarian and migrant<br />
issues among health-care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Vocational Training Service at SRC<br />
Headquarters is in charge <strong>of</strong> recognizing<br />
qualifi cations and ensuring <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong><br />
courses in <strong>the</strong> health-care sector, recognizing<br />
foreign qualifi cations, registering health<br />
qualifi cations and keeping statistics.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Lindenh<strong>of</strong> nursing school is a leading<br />
training centre in nursing and health care.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC is committed to providing longterm<br />
help in about 30 countries worldwide,<br />
in Africa, Asia, Latin America and eastern<br />
Europe. Our work in o<strong>the</strong>r countries<br />
focuses on promoting health for especially<br />
vulnerable sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> world’s population,<br />
in particular women and children.<br />
35
<strong>The</strong> SRC Blood Transfusion Service supplies<br />
<strong>the</strong> population/hospitals with blood products<br />
and in so doing makes an important<br />
contribution to <strong>the</strong> health-care system <strong>of</strong><br />
Switzerland.<br />
<strong>In</strong>formation brochures and <strong>In</strong>ternet sites<br />
round <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> SRC’s work in health promotion:<br />
e.g. ‘Staying independent in old<br />
age’ with valuable tips for <strong>the</strong> elderly or<br />
‘Advice for carers’ for people looking after<br />
relatives. Brochures in several languages<br />
on health, illness and <strong>the</strong> health-care<br />
service are available on <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternet at<br />
www.migesplus.ch.<br />
SRC Outpatient Clinic for victims <strong>of</strong><br />
torture and war<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC Outpatient Clinic is a place where<br />
<strong>the</strong> survivors <strong>of</strong> torture, war and displacement<br />
can receive medical, psycho<strong>the</strong>rapeutic<br />
and psychosocial counselling, treatment<br />
and advice.<br />
<strong>The</strong> service enables those concerned to<br />
work through <strong>the</strong>ir traumatic experiences,<br />
develop <strong>the</strong>ir personal skills and consolidate<br />
family and social resources. Regaining<br />
good health, self-determination and<br />
dignity is a key condition for <strong>the</strong>se people<br />
to become integrated into our society.<br />
36<br />
<strong>The</strong> counselling and training services for<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionals working in this sector provide<br />
specifi c support. <strong>The</strong> aim is to give traumatized<br />
people and <strong>the</strong>ir families competent<br />
counselling and care.<br />
<strong>The</strong> general public is made aware <strong>of</strong> this<br />
topic in specifi c campaigns. <strong>The</strong> aim is<br />
to promote understanding for migrants<br />
who are suffering from violence-related<br />
trauma.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Outpatient Clinic systematically networks<br />
with a variety <strong>of</strong> clinics, polyclinics<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r institutions working in <strong>the</strong> medical<br />
and social sector.<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
For traumatized refugees and <strong>the</strong>ir families:<br />
diagnosis, holistic treatments, specifi c<br />
<strong>the</strong>rapies, counselling and advice<br />
For pr<strong>of</strong>essionals: counselling, networking,<br />
documentation, training (lectures,<br />
workshops and symposiums)<br />
<strong>The</strong>rapy facilities in Bern, Zurich,<br />
Lausanne and Geneva
3.2 INTEGRATION<br />
� Help for <strong>the</strong> elderly and <strong>the</strong> handicapped<br />
(volunteer drivers, emergency<br />
service, hospital visitors, Carissimo)<br />
� Assistance and support for family<br />
carers<br />
� Childminding service for sick children<br />
or for children whose parents are ill<br />
� chili: confl ict training for children,<br />
teenagers and adults<br />
� Mitten unter uns: integration<br />
programme for children from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
cultures<br />
� Care and accommodation <strong>of</strong><br />
asylum-seekers<br />
� Advice and support for migrants<br />
� Returnee and reintegration assistance<br />
for applicants refused asylum and<br />
sans-papiers<br />
� Ad hoc assistance for individuals<br />
in need<br />
� Second-hand clo<strong>the</strong>s shops and<br />
used-clothing collection<br />
� 2 x Christmas<br />
� Tracing service in collaboration with<br />
<strong>the</strong> ICRC<br />
� Youth work<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC promotes <strong>the</strong> peaceful coexistence<br />
<strong>of</strong> people in Switzerland and <strong>the</strong><br />
participation <strong>of</strong> marginalized members <strong>of</strong><br />
society or those groups that are threatened<br />
with exclusion, whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong>y have a<br />
migrant background.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> emergency call system makes people feel safe in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
homes and enables many elderly people to carry on living in familiar<br />
surroundings.<br />
<strong>The</strong> core area <strong>In</strong>tegration comprises services<br />
to prevent social exclusion, toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
with counselling, networking and training<br />
to promote integration and peaceful coexistence<br />
within Switzerland.<br />
37<br />
© Daniel Wietlisbach
3.3 RESCUE<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Air-Rescue Association (Rega) is a corporate member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC. <strong>In</strong> addition to pr<strong>of</strong>essional rescue services by Rega, <strong>the</strong> SRC’s rescue<br />
services are mainly provided by volunteers.<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
First-aid<br />
Courses for <strong>the</strong> general public<br />
(dealing with emergencies,<br />
Samaritans, life-saving, etc.)<br />
Air-rescue missions<br />
Rescue in and on water<br />
Rescuing missing persons and those<br />
buried under rubble<br />
Support for <strong>the</strong> army medical service<br />
Youth work<br />
Disaster relief in Switzerland<br />
Emergency and disaster relief in<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r countries<br />
38<br />
© Rega<br />
<strong>The</strong> core area <strong>In</strong>tegration comprises prevention<br />
and training courses, toge<strong>the</strong>r with<br />
services such as rescue, fi rst aid, disaster<br />
preparedness, disaster relief, and search<br />
operations.<br />
Rescue activities in Switzerland are undertaken<br />
by independent organizations under<br />
contract to <strong>the</strong> SRC as corporate members.<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Samaritans (SSB/ASS)<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Life-Saving Association<br />
(SLRG/SSS)<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Air-Rescue Association (Rega)<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> Disaster Dogs Association<br />
(REDOG)<br />
With <strong>the</strong> exception <strong>of</strong> Rega, rescue missions<br />
are undertaken by volunteers.<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC Rescue Team, which combines <strong>the</strong><br />
corporate members and <strong>the</strong> SRC, is aimed<br />
at optimizing rescue operations in Switzerland.<br />
It represents <strong>the</strong> SRC in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
Medical Rescue Commission for emergency<br />
medicine and rescue operations (SME-<br />
DREC).
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Service<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Service<br />
implements <strong>the</strong> original <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> precept: helping people in need<br />
(Battle <strong>of</strong> Solferino, women <strong>of</strong> Castiglione<br />
‘tutti fratelli!’)<br />
Assisting <strong>the</strong> medical services <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
armed forces<br />
Promoting <strong>In</strong>ternational Humanitarian<br />
Law and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> principles<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Service is made up <strong>of</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong><br />
people assigned to <strong>the</strong> armed forces as<br />
specialists and whose job it is to improve<br />
<strong>the</strong> lot <strong>of</strong> wounded and sick members <strong>of</strong><br />
armed forces in <strong>the</strong> fi eld and to treat and<br />
nurse <strong>the</strong> wounded and sick and provide<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r medical services.<br />
<strong>The</strong> foundation stone for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Service was laid by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> parliament<br />
on 6 October 1903. Since <strong>the</strong>n, countless<br />
numbers <strong>of</strong> women have provided services<br />
for sick soldiers, refugees, <strong>the</strong> disabled and<br />
those in need <strong>of</strong> care, including voluntary<br />
work abroad, e.g. in Namibia, <strong>the</strong> western<br />
Sahara, or Kosovo.<br />
Today, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Service has around<br />
300 women with pr<strong>of</strong>essional medical,<br />
paramedical or technical medical qualifi cations.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y mainly work in teams, in military<br />
hospitals or medical institutions, but<br />
also in training schools for recruits and<br />
<strong>of</strong>fi cers and various specialist committees<br />
and working groups <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Army Medical<br />
Service. A number <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
women also provide support for <strong>the</strong> SRC<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Cooperation Departement in<br />
emergency and disaster work. It would be<br />
hard to conceive <strong>of</strong> such work without <strong>the</strong><br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional expertise <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> RCS members<br />
(RCSMs).<br />
Some RCSMs have been specially recruited<br />
and trained to promote <strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
Humanitarian Law and <strong>the</strong> principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> armed forces.<br />
39
3.4 INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENT<br />
<strong>The</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC abroad are mainly<br />
carried out in regions that have been devastated<br />
by war and natural disasters and<br />
where health care is far from adequate to<br />
meet <strong>the</strong> needs. But <strong>the</strong> SRC is also permanently<br />
committed to development cooperation<br />
in <strong>the</strong> health sector.<br />
At present it is running programmes in<br />
about 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin<br />
America, and eastern Europe, in <strong>the</strong> following<br />
sectors:<br />
� Humanitarian relief work<br />
� Support for refugees and displaced<br />
persons<br />
� Reconstruction and rehabilitation<br />
� Development cooperation with a focus<br />
on health<br />
� Promotion <strong>of</strong> National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and<br />
<strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies<br />
40<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC pursues two main objectives:<br />
1. Improving <strong>the</strong> living conditions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
most vulnerable groups, in particular in <strong>the</strong><br />
health-care sector<br />
2. Promoting <strong>the</strong> population’s own initiatives<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC’s work in this sector has a longterm<br />
perspective. It tackles <strong>the</strong> root cause<br />
<strong>of</strong> poverty and underdevelopment. At <strong>the</strong><br />
same time we try to avoid creating any<br />
dependence so that <strong>the</strong> population concerned<br />
is motivated to take <strong>the</strong>ir destiny<br />
into <strong>the</strong>ir own hands.<br />
<strong>In</strong> its work abroad <strong>the</strong> SRC works in close<br />
cooperation with <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation<br />
and <strong>the</strong> ICRC.<br />
Key regional activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC
<strong>The</strong> SRC distributes relief supplies in Sumatra/<strong>In</strong>donesia after <strong>the</strong> tsunami in 2004.<br />
<strong>The</strong> latest information about <strong>the</strong> SRC’s<br />
international commitment and detailed<br />
information about all <strong>the</strong> countries where<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC is working can be found at<br />
www.redcross.ch/activities/international.<br />
Disaster response<br />
<strong>The</strong> SRC provides emergency relief after<br />
serious natural disasters and during armed<br />
confl icts. Disaster relief involves providing<br />
shelter, foodstuffs, medical care and<br />
drinking water. Sending out relief supplies<br />
and deploying delegates for logistics and<br />
medicine is handled directly or through <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Movement. <strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
event <strong>of</strong> natural disasters, <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
Federation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Societies is in charge <strong>of</strong> coordinating <strong>the</strong><br />
work, while in war zones this is done by <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
(ICRC). <strong>The</strong> SRC also works in close cooperation<br />
with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Humanitarian Aid Unit<br />
and is a partner <strong>of</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Solidarity.<br />
41<br />
© SRC
Health & Reconstruction<br />
42<br />
© ICRC, Boris Herger<br />
© SRC<br />
Latin America<br />
<strong>In</strong> its work in various countries <strong>of</strong> Latin<br />
America <strong>the</strong> SRC concentrates on sustainable<br />
improvements to health and nutrition.<br />
To do this it works in close cooperation with<br />
organizations <strong>of</strong> indigenous communities<br />
and farmers to consolidate <strong>the</strong>m and help<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to help <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />
<strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> district <strong>of</strong> Santa Cruz in Bolivia indigent villagers are given free<br />
medical care.<br />
Africa<br />
<strong>In</strong> African countries <strong>the</strong> SRC combats poverty-induced<br />
blindness and works to prevent<br />
<strong>the</strong> spread <strong>of</strong> HIV and provide medical<br />
treatment for AIDS. To achieve this <strong>the</strong><br />
National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Societies are institutionally<br />
reinforced and training is provided<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir staff and volunteers.<br />
Darfur, Sudan: A mo<strong>the</strong>r takes her toddler with suspected malaria to a<br />
mobile clinic supported by <strong>the</strong> SRC.
© SRC © SRC<br />
Eastern Europe<br />
On account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> precarious state <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
health-care services and <strong>the</strong> widespread<br />
poverty in many areas <strong>of</strong> eastern Europe,<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC trains health staff at community<br />
level, plays an active role in reforming<br />
<strong>the</strong> health service and runs various programmes,<br />
mainly for mo<strong>the</strong>rs and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
children.<br />
Bulgaria: A <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> worker takes care <strong>of</strong> an elderly lady and helps her<br />
with <strong>the</strong> housework.<br />
Asia<br />
<strong>In</strong> Asia <strong>the</strong> SRC is helping with reconstruction<br />
after serious natural disasters, combating<br />
poverty-induced blindness, and<br />
providing access to clean drinking water<br />
and health care facilities in disadvantaged<br />
regions.<br />
SRC programme to combat blindness in Nepal: A little girl and her fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
are happy <strong>the</strong> eye operation was a success.<br />
43
COMITE INTERNATIONAL<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and<br />
<strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement<br />
G ENEV E<br />
ICRC<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Committee<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Geneva, founded 1863<br />
Armed<br />
confl icts<br />
▲<br />
▲ ▲<br />
States party to <strong>the</strong><br />
Geneva Conventions<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
Conference<br />
▲<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Standing Commission<br />
Council <strong>of</strong> Delegates<br />
▲<br />
186<br />
National<br />
Societies<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
or <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
First Aid<br />
Rescue<br />
Health<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and<br />
<strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement<br />
or<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
▲<br />
▲<br />
▲<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
Federation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and<br />
<strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies<br />
Geneva, founded 1919<br />
Natural disasters<br />
Refugee assistance<br />
Health
4<br />
INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS &<br />
RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement comprises <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>, <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
Federation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Societies and 186 National Societies.<br />
<strong>The</strong> activities undertaken by <strong>the</strong> Movement<br />
are sometimes very diverse, but all serve<br />
<strong>the</strong> same common purpose: preventing<br />
and alleviating human suffering and protecting<br />
human dignity. <strong>The</strong> work <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong><br />
organizations belonging to <strong>the</strong> Movement<br />
is based on <strong>the</strong> seven Fundamental Principles,<br />
which to a certain degree are <strong>the</strong><br />
guidelines that are binding for all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />
to <strong>the</strong> same extent.<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> (ICRC)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Committee has its headquarters<br />
in Geneva from where it runs its<br />
worldwide operations. As <strong>the</strong> guardian<br />
and advocate <strong>of</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Humanitarian<br />
Law it is <strong>the</strong> ICRC’s responsibility to<br />
ensure that <strong>the</strong> Geneva Conventions are<br />
adhered to. It provides support for <strong>the</strong> victims<br />
<strong>of</strong> military and o<strong>the</strong>r armed confl icts<br />
around <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Federation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> &<br />
<strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies (IFRC)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation is <strong>the</strong> worldwide<br />
umbrella organization <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> National<br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies and<br />
also has its headquarters in Geneva. Unlike<br />
<strong>the</strong> ICRC, it is deployed in <strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong><br />
natural and civil disasters. Its work mainly<br />
comprises international disaster relief, help<br />
for refugees outside <strong>of</strong> confl ict zones, and<br />
health care and health promotion at community<br />
level. <strong>In</strong> addition, <strong>the</strong> IFRC promotes<br />
collaboration between <strong>the</strong> National Societies<br />
and supports <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong>ir work and<br />
development.<br />
National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Societies<br />
It is <strong>the</strong> 186 National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and <strong>Red</strong><br />
Crescent Societies that implement <strong>the</strong><br />
objectives and principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Movement<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir respective countries. <strong>The</strong>y help <strong>the</strong><br />
national authorities to fulfi l <strong>the</strong>ir humanitarian<br />
responsibilities, and provide a broad<br />
range <strong>of</strong> services.<br />
45
4.1 INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
OF THE RED CROSS (ICRC)<br />
Deployment in war and crisis zones<br />
Monitoring compliance with <strong>the</strong><br />
Geneva Conventions<br />
Visiting prisoners <strong>of</strong> war and political<br />
prisoners<br />
<strong>The</strong> ICRC was founded in 1863 and is<br />
<strong>the</strong> only organization to be entrusted in<br />
<strong>the</strong> international legal texts with monitoring<br />
States’ compliance with <strong>In</strong>ternational<br />
Humanitarian Law. <strong>The</strong> Assembly – <strong>the</strong><br />
highest body <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ICRC – consists <strong>of</strong> a<br />
maximum <strong>of</strong> 25 <strong>Swiss</strong> citizens. <strong>The</strong> ICRC’s<br />
mission is to protect <strong>the</strong> life and <strong>the</strong> dignity<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> victims <strong>of</strong> war and civil confl ict.<br />
Nigeria: Distributing copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Humanitarian Law to Nigerian<br />
soldiers in preparation for peacekeeping activities in <strong>the</strong> Darfur region <strong>of</strong><br />
Sudan under a mandate to <strong>the</strong> African Union.<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
CCOMITE INTERNATIONAL<br />
G ENEV E<br />
<strong>The</strong> ICRC’s work<br />
includes:<br />
Monitoring compliance with <strong>the</strong> Geneva<br />
Conventions<br />
Taking care <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wounded<br />
Monitoring <strong>the</strong> treatment <strong>of</strong> prisoners<br />
<strong>of</strong> war<br />
Visiting prisoners <strong>of</strong> war and political<br />
prisoners<br />
Organizing family reunifi cation and<br />
searching for missing persons (tracing<br />
service)<br />
Protecting and taking care <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> civilian<br />
population<br />
Mediating between opposing parties in<br />
a confl ict<br />
<strong>The</strong> ICRC runs and coordinates <strong>the</strong> international<br />
relief activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
& <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement during armed<br />
confl icts.<br />
© ICRC
4.2 INTERNATIONAL<br />
HUMANITARIAN LAW<br />
� ‘Law <strong>of</strong> War’ for <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> wounded, prisoners, aid workers,<br />
civilians, and cultural assets in armed<br />
confl icts<br />
� Restricting <strong>the</strong> means and methods<br />
<strong>of</strong> warfare used by <strong>the</strong> combatants<br />
� Almost all States are signatories to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Geneva Conventions<br />
� Monitoring compliance: ICRC<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Humanitarian Law (IHL) aims<br />
to minimize <strong>the</strong> consequences <strong>of</strong> armed<br />
confl icts. It helps to protect <strong>the</strong> civilian<br />
population, wounded soldiers and medical<br />
personnel that are not actively involved in<br />
<strong>the</strong> military action. <strong>In</strong> addition it helps to<br />
restrict <strong>the</strong> means and methods <strong>of</strong> warfare.<br />
<strong>The</strong> IHL is also called <strong>the</strong> ‘Law <strong>of</strong> War’ or<br />
<strong>the</strong> ‘Law <strong>of</strong> Armed Confl ict’.<br />
<strong>The</strong> fi rst Geneva Convention was signed<br />
by 12 European States at a diplomatic<br />
conference convened by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Federal<br />
Council in 1864. Two men played a major<br />
role in this: Henry Dunant and Guillaume<br />
Henri Dufour, both <strong>of</strong> whom were founding<br />
members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ICRC.<br />
Since <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> States, inspired by <strong>the</strong> bitter<br />
experiences <strong>of</strong> modern war, have agreed<br />
upon a series <strong>of</strong> conventions to regulate<br />
<strong>In</strong>ternational Humanitarian Law – ‘Law <strong>of</strong> War‘ for <strong>the</strong> protection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
wounded, prisoners, aid workers, civilians, and cultural assets in armed<br />
confl icts.<br />
<strong>the</strong> way war is waged. <strong>The</strong> conventions<br />
attempt to strike a careful balance between<br />
humanitarian concerns and <strong>the</strong> military<br />
requirements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> States parties.<br />
Much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IHL can be found in <strong>the</strong> four<br />
Geneva Conventions <strong>of</strong> 1949. Practically<br />
every State in <strong>the</strong> world has signed <strong>the</strong>se<br />
Conventions. Since <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> Conventions<br />
have been fur<strong>the</strong>r developed and added<br />
to. <strong>The</strong> most recent adaptation is <strong>the</strong> recognition<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> red crystal as <strong>the</strong> third protective<br />
symbol <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Movement in 2006.<br />
47<br />
© ICRC
4.3 INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
RED CROSS & RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES (IFRC)<br />
Deployment in <strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong> natural<br />
and civil disasters<br />
Support for <strong>the</strong> National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
and <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies<br />
Assistance for some 230 million<br />
people worldwide<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
& <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies is <strong>the</strong> worldwide<br />
association <strong>of</strong> National Societies. It was<br />
founded in 1919 on <strong>the</strong> initiative <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
American <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and <strong>the</strong> victorious<br />
allied forces after <strong>the</strong> First World War and<br />
has its headquarters in Geneva.<br />
48<br />
Since 1919 <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation has<br />
grown from its original fi ve members to its<br />
present-day membership <strong>of</strong> 186 National<br />
Societies. <strong>The</strong> Federation and its member<br />
Societies can call on some 100 million volunteers<br />
and members and 300,000 paid<br />
staff. Almost a quarter <strong>of</strong> a million people<br />
worldwide can avail <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> services<br />
<strong>the</strong>y provide.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation’s work mainly<br />
comprises international disaster relief, help<br />
for refugees outside <strong>of</strong> confl ict zones and<br />
health care and health promotion at local<br />
level. <strong>In</strong> addition, <strong>the</strong> IFRC promotes col-<br />
© IFRC
laboration between <strong>the</strong> National Societies<br />
and supports <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong>ir work and<br />
development.<br />
<strong>The</strong> highest body <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation<br />
is <strong>the</strong> General Assembly, which<br />
meets every two years. Between two General<br />
Assemblies, <strong>the</strong> running <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IFRC is<br />
in <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Governing Board, which<br />
meets twice a year. <strong>The</strong> president <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC or ano<strong>the</strong>r member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Council is, by virtue <strong>of</strong> his/her position, one<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fi ve vice-presidents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Federation Secretariat in Geneva and<br />
its fi eld delegations are in charge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
operational implementation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federation’s<br />
goals.<br />
© IFRC, Christopher Black<br />
© IFRC
Goals and tasks <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IFRC<br />
Four core areas:<br />
� Promoting <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> principles and<br />
humanitarian values<br />
� Disaster response<br />
� Disaster preparedness<br />
� Health care and promotion in <strong>the</strong><br />
community<br />
<strong>The</strong> goals and tasks <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> IFRC are defi ned<br />
in its Strategy 2010 which is <strong>the</strong> strategic<br />
framework <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Federation and its 186<br />
members.<br />
<strong>In</strong> accordance with <strong>the</strong> Strategy 2010 <strong>the</strong><br />
mission <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation is ‘to<br />
improve <strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> vulnerable people by<br />
mobilizing <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> humanity’.<br />
50<br />
© IFRC<br />
A <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> worker during an HIV/AIDS education campaign.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Strategy 2010 defi nes <strong>the</strong> following<br />
four core areas that are to be carried out<br />
by <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation and its 186<br />
member Societies:<br />
1. Promoting <strong>the</strong> principles and humanitarian<br />
values <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
& <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement<br />
2. Disaster response<br />
3. Disaster preparedness<br />
4. Providing health-care services and promoting<br />
health in <strong>the</strong> community<br />
During an event run by <strong>the</strong> Nepal Junior <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> pupils openly discuss<br />
HIV/AIDS and sexual issues. An open discussion like this would be<br />
unlikely in <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> adults.<br />
© IFRC, Yoshi Shimizu
4.4 NATIONAL RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES<br />
� 186 National Societies<br />
�<br />
Around 100 million volunteers and<br />
members<br />
� 300,000 staff<br />
<strong>The</strong> 186 National Societies put into practice<br />
<strong>the</strong> Movement’s objectives and principles.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re can only be one <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> or <strong>Red</strong><br />
Crescent Society in any one country (principle<br />
<strong>of</strong> Unity). It must be recognized by <strong>the</strong><br />
ICRC and be able to carry on its work in<br />
accordance with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Fundamental<br />
Principles (principle <strong>of</strong> <strong>In</strong>dependence).<br />
<strong>The</strong> National Societies help <strong>the</strong> national<br />
authorities to carry out <strong>the</strong>ir humanitarian<br />
commitments and provide a whole range<br />
<strong>of</strong> services in <strong>the</strong> following sectors:<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
Promoting <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> principles and<br />
humanitarian values<br />
Disaster preparedness and disaster relief<br />
Health care and promotion in <strong>the</strong> community<br />
Help for HIV/Aids victims and prevention<br />
First-aid training and medical services<br />
Blood transfusion services<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> is recognized by <strong>the</strong><br />
ICRC and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> Federal Council as <strong>the</strong><br />
National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Society <strong>of</strong> Switzerland.<br />
© IFRC, Gauthier Lefèvre
© SRC, Cati Cottier
5<br />
This chapter contains excerpts from <strong>the</strong> book ‘Humanity for<br />
all – <strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement’<br />
by Hans Haug, Henry Dunant <strong>In</strong>stitute, Geneva.<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
�<br />
THE SEVEN FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES<br />
OF THE RED CROSS<br />
HUMANITY<br />
IMPARTIALITY<br />
NEUTRALITY<br />
INDEPENDENCE<br />
VOLUNTARY SERVICE<br />
UNITY<br />
UNIVERSALITY<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> origin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> is not<br />
based on abstract principles, but on <strong>the</strong><br />
spontaneous action <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> people who, on<br />
<strong>the</strong> battlefi eld <strong>of</strong> Solferino in 1859, came<br />
to <strong>the</strong> aid <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wounded and dying, a<br />
search was made early on for principles<br />
and guidelines for <strong>the</strong> humanitarian Movement<br />
that was to be created. <strong>The</strong> fi rst<br />
defi nitions are to be found in Henry Dunant’s<br />
book ‘A Memory <strong>of</strong> Solferino’ (1862).<br />
It took many years more, until 8 October<br />
1965, before <strong>the</strong> 20 th <strong>In</strong>ternational Conference<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> in Vienna adopted<br />
and proclaimed <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> Charter.<br />
<strong>The</strong> seven Fundamental Principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> are binding for all members <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement. This means that a National Soci-<br />
ety may only be recognized by <strong>the</strong> ICRC if<br />
it adheres to <strong>the</strong> Fundamental Principles <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Fundamental Principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
defi ne <strong>the</strong> humanitarian principles that must<br />
not be violated or misused against human<br />
beings. <strong>The</strong>y <strong>of</strong>fer all those who commit<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> emblem a<br />
practical aid in <strong>the</strong>ir activity. It is important<br />
that <strong>the</strong> seven Fundamental Principles from<br />
<strong>the</strong> ideal, factual and logical points <strong>of</strong> view<br />
are closely related and form a whole; only<br />
<strong>the</strong> whole Charter defi nes <strong>the</strong> Movement<br />
and gives it its special character or uniqueness.<br />
HUMANITY is <strong>the</strong> main principle and <strong>the</strong><br />
ethical basis for <strong>the</strong> activities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> and <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movment. All<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r Fundamental Principles can only be<br />
interpreted in <strong>the</strong> light <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> premise <strong>of</strong><br />
Humanity. For example, inhumanity cannot<br />
be committed on <strong>the</strong> premise <strong>of</strong> Neutrality.<br />
<strong>In</strong> <strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong> a confl ict with any o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
principle, <strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> Humanity takes<br />
precedence. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> <strong>the</strong>refore<br />
makes a public statement, for example, if<br />
<strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> Humanity is under threat.<br />
53
Humanity<br />
Everyone everywhere is a fellow<br />
human being.<br />
‘<strong>The</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement, born <strong>of</strong> a desire to bring<br />
assistance without discrimination to <strong>the</strong><br />
wounded on <strong>the</strong> battlefi eld, endeavours,<br />
in its international and national capacity,<br />
to prevent and alleviate human suffering<br />
wherever it may be found. Its purpose is<br />
to protect life and health and to ensure<br />
respect for <strong>the</strong> human being. It promotes<br />
mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation<br />
and lasting peace among all peoples.‘<br />
<strong>The</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> Humanity plays a special<br />
role within <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement. Were it intended to condense<br />
<strong>the</strong> Fundamental Principles into a single<br />
principle or to deduce <strong>the</strong>m from a single<br />
principle, this would be <strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong><br />
Humanity.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> acts in such a way that <strong>the</strong><br />
human being and <strong>the</strong> respect for human<br />
dignity are at <strong>the</strong> centre <strong>of</strong> its work. <strong>In</strong> its<br />
way <strong>of</strong> thinking and its acts <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
ensures that it sets an example <strong>of</strong> how this<br />
dignity is not violated. <strong>The</strong>re are plenty <strong>of</strong><br />
opportunities for this: caring for <strong>the</strong> elderly<br />
in <strong>the</strong>ir twilight years, looking after refugees,<br />
providing help for <strong>the</strong> homeless, preventing<br />
racist abuse by upholding moral<br />
values in everyday life, etc.<br />
54<br />
Impartiality<br />
Help in need knows no distinctions.<br />
‘<strong>The</strong> Movement makes no discrimination as<br />
to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or<br />
political opinions. It endeavours to relieve<br />
<strong>the</strong> suffering <strong>of</strong> individuals, being guided<br />
solely by <strong>the</strong>ir needs, and to give priority to<br />
<strong>the</strong> most urgent cases <strong>of</strong> distress.‘<br />
<strong>The</strong> dictate <strong>of</strong> equal treatment refers to all<br />
<strong>the</strong> protective, relief and care activities <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement.<br />
<strong>The</strong> suffering individual shall receive protection,<br />
relief and care in equal measure<br />
and in an equal way, without any disadvantageous,<br />
irrelevant and <strong>the</strong>reby discriminatory<br />
differences.<br />
Through <strong>the</strong> precept <strong>of</strong> due proportion, all<br />
members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Movement endeavour in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir relief activities to be guided solely by<br />
<strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> need, and to give priority<br />
to <strong>the</strong> most urgent cases. <strong>The</strong> greatest need<br />
shall be met with <strong>the</strong> greatest relief; <strong>the</strong><br />
most urgent need shall receive <strong>the</strong> quickest<br />
help.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> does not distinguish between<br />
victims and perpetrators and does not ask<br />
what caused <strong>the</strong> need. <strong>The</strong> measure <strong>of</strong><br />
need, i.e. <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> injury, is <strong>the</strong> criterion<br />
for who it shall help fi rst. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> helps wherever <strong>the</strong> need is greatest<br />
and not where it feels <strong>the</strong> most empathy.
Neutrality<br />
Humanitarian relief needs everyone’s<br />
trust.<br />
‘<strong>In</strong> order to continue to enjoy <strong>the</strong> confi dence<br />
<strong>of</strong> all, <strong>the</strong> Movement may not take sides<br />
in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies<br />
<strong>of</strong> a political, racial, religious or<br />
ideological nature.’<br />
Neutrality means that we abstain from any<br />
participating in hostilities and all political,<br />
racial, religious or ideological controversies.<br />
Those who take sides or interfere may<br />
estrange or deceive one side or <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
push <strong>the</strong>m away and lose <strong>the</strong>ir confi dence.<br />
<strong>The</strong> confi dence <strong>of</strong> all is essential for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement to fulfi l its<br />
humanitarian mission.<br />
However, at <strong>the</strong> same time <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> &<br />
<strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement is required by <strong>the</strong><br />
principle <strong>of</strong> humanity to speak out in favour<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vulnerable and to point out injustice<br />
(‘advocacy’).<br />
<strong>The</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> neutrality distinguishes <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Movement from<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r humanitarian organizations. It makes<br />
<strong>the</strong> Movement unique.<br />
<strong>In</strong>dependence<br />
Autonomy protects our Fundamental<br />
Principles.<br />
‘<strong>The</strong> Movement is independent. <strong>The</strong> National<br />
Societies, while auxiliaries in <strong>the</strong> humanitarian<br />
services <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir governments and<br />
subject to <strong>the</strong> laws <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir respective countries,<br />
must always maintain <strong>the</strong>ir autonomy<br />
so that <strong>the</strong>y may be able at all times to<br />
act in accordance with <strong>the</strong> principles <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Movement.‘<br />
Even though <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> is <strong>the</strong><br />
only <strong>of</strong>fi cially (i.e. by <strong>the</strong> Federal Council)<br />
recognized humanitarian organization,<br />
it maintains its independence and resists<br />
any political or economic pressure at all<br />
times. <strong>The</strong> same applies to <strong>the</strong> infl uence<br />
from <strong>the</strong> media or <strong>the</strong> general public. On<br />
<strong>the</strong> contrary, to maintain its independence<br />
<strong>the</strong> SRC avoids any political, ideological or<br />
economic interference.<br />
Cooperation with and support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
authorities in <strong>the</strong> humanitarian fi eld are<br />
one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> basic functions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SRC and<br />
all o<strong>the</strong>r National Societies. <strong>The</strong> role <strong>of</strong><br />
‘auxiliary to <strong>the</strong> public authorities’ does not<br />
prevent <strong>the</strong> SRC from carrying out freely<br />
selected activities in complete independence<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> State.<br />
55
Voluntary service<br />
Relief is provided without any desire for<br />
gain.<br />
‘It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted<br />
in any manner by desire for gain.‘<br />
Altruism does not exclude appropriate<br />
remuneration. To ensure that a voluntary<br />
organization is effective, it requires effi -<br />
cient, slim-line, pr<strong>of</strong>essional structures. <strong>The</strong><br />
voluntary service <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> employees <strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong><br />
<strong>Cross</strong> organizations lies in <strong>the</strong> preparedness<br />
to place <strong>the</strong>mselves out <strong>of</strong> free personal<br />
conviction entirely at <strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong><br />
people in need.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> carries out its work with <strong>the</strong><br />
greatest personal quality, commitment and<br />
modesty. Voluntary service never means<br />
a lack <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionalism. Regardless <strong>of</strong><br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r it is as a full-time job, a part-time<br />
job, or without any remuneration, <strong>the</strong> voluntary<br />
work is always pr<strong>of</strong>essional and sustained<br />
by a personal commitment.<br />
Unity<br />
Just one per country and open to all.<br />
‘<strong>The</strong>re can only be one National <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
or <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Society in any one country.<br />
It must be open to all. It must carry on its<br />
humanitarian work throughout its territory.’<br />
Must everyone be accepted if <strong>the</strong>y want<br />
to become a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
or undertake voluntary work? <strong>In</strong> principle<br />
yes, in application <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> nondiscrimination<br />
(no-one is refused on <strong>the</strong><br />
basis <strong>of</strong> his geographical or social origins,<br />
56<br />
religious convictions, etc.). However, it is a<br />
condition that a person wishing to join must<br />
identify with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> principles. Volunteers<br />
must also be apt for <strong>the</strong> work <strong>the</strong>y<br />
wish to do.<br />
<strong>The</strong> principle <strong>of</strong> Unity requires that <strong>the</strong>re<br />
are no two different or even rival Societies<br />
in <strong>the</strong> same country. <strong>The</strong> National Society<br />
must carry on its work throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
national territory. It may not, for example,<br />
on account <strong>of</strong> national tensions or secessionist<br />
efforts, exclude part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> national<br />
territory or any sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> population.<br />
Universality<br />
Humanitarian duty is a worldwide task.<br />
‘<strong>The</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> & <strong>Red</strong> Crescent<br />
Movement, in which all Societies have<br />
equal status and share equal responsibilities<br />
and duties in helping each o<strong>the</strong>r, is worldwide.’<br />
<strong>The</strong> individual National Societies are independent<br />
<strong>of</strong> each o<strong>the</strong>r and free. <strong>The</strong>ir role is<br />
always fi rst and foremost national. If, in <strong>the</strong><br />
event <strong>of</strong> a crisis, war or natural disasters<br />
<strong>the</strong> individual National Societies can no<br />
longer cope alone, <strong>the</strong>y are supported by<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>In</strong>ternational Federation <strong>of</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
& <strong>Red</strong> Crescent Societies and <strong>the</strong> ICRC in a<br />
spirit <strong>of</strong> solidarity. However, <strong>the</strong>y never<strong>the</strong>less<br />
remain <strong>the</strong> leading <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> or <strong>Red</strong><br />
Crescent Society in <strong>the</strong>ir country.
If you would like to fi nd out more about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>, any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> topics<br />
covered in this brochure, or current projects, consult <strong>the</strong> SRC website at<br />
www.redcross.ch<br />
Donations for greater humanity: Post account 30-9700-0.<br />
We thank you wholeheartedly for your support.<br />
IMPRESSUM<br />
Published by: <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Layout: SRC, graphic-print<br />
Cover photo: Heino Heimann<br />
Print-run: 500<br />
April 2008<br />
printed on FSC-certifi ed paper
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong><br />
Many people in Switzerland and o<strong>the</strong>r countries live a life in adversity. <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong> and its various member organizations – <strong>the</strong> Samaritans,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Air-Rescue Association, <strong>the</strong> Life-Saving Association, and <strong>the</strong> Blood Transfusion<br />
Service – come to <strong>the</strong>ir aid. No o<strong>the</strong>r relief organization combines such a<br />
wide variety <strong>of</strong> strengths in <strong>the</strong> health, integration and rescue sectors as <strong>the</strong><br />
SRC. With its permanent staff and its countless volunteers, it is fi rmly anchored<br />
in <strong>the</strong> community throughout <strong>the</strong> country. <strong>The</strong> SRC is independent, neutral <strong>of</strong><br />
religion and politics, and is open to everyone.<br />
This brochure explains what <strong>the</strong> SRC is, how it came about, and what work it<br />
is currently involved in.<br />
<strong>Swiss</strong> <strong>Red</strong> <strong>Cross</strong>