The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement brings together hundreds of organisations around the world, but for Ukrainians, it is based on two key organisations: the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Ukrainian Red Cross. Both organisations help people in difficult circumstances, but their powers, tasks and geographical scope of activity differ significantly.
International Committee of the Red Cross: a neutral mediator between warring parties
The ICRC was founded in 1863. It is an independent international humanitarian organisation that became the founder of the Movement and its guardian in the field of compliance with international humanitarian law. Their activities are based on the Geneva Conventions, which define the rules of conduct during war. There are four Geneva Conventions, as well as additional protocols.
In accordance with the conventions, the main task of the Committee is to protect victims of armed conflicts. The ICRC acts as a neutral mediator between warring parties, monitors or attempts to monitor the conditions of detention of prisoners of war, helps to establish the fate of missing persons, and maintains contact between prisoners and their families through correspondence. In addition, it is involved in the exhumation of the bodies of those who have died.
ICRC staff are mainly international specialists with experience of working in crisis regions. They work directly in combat zones, on the front line or in occupied areas where civilian services are often unable to operate. Their mission is to protect those most affected by the war, regardless of the parties to the conflict.
Read also: Rapid response teams of the Ukrainian Red Cross. How they save lives under fire
Ukrainian Red Cross – We are here for you
The Ukrainian Red Cross is a national society that is part of an international movement and operates exclusively within Ukraine. In other words, it is an organisation that does not operate outside the territory controlled by the Ukrainian government. It works closely with the state but remains independent in its humanitarian work. Its main goal is to support people affected by war, natural disasters or difficult social circumstances.
Today, it is the largest volunteer organisation in the country. Thousands of volunteers across Ukraine help people in need every day. This includes caring for lonely elderly people, helping people with disabilities, providing first aid, distributing humanitarian kits, responding to emergencies and teaching the population basic safety skills.
In crisis situations, rapid response teams are the first to arrive at the scene of shelling, fires or floods, providing pre-medical care and support to those affected. They also carry out evacuations from frontline areas and help in cases where traditional services refuse to assist. They work closely with rescuers, medics and international partners.
Read also: See how the Ukrainian Red Cross is evacuating people in the Dnipropetrovsk region
A shared goal — humanity in action
The International Committee and the Ukrainian Red Cross play different but complementary roles in the humanitarian system. The International Committee acts at the global level, seeking to protect people during wars and monitoring compliance with international humanitarian law. The Ukrainian Red Cross focuses on providing daily support to the population within the country. This can range from helping those affected by hostilities to caring for those left alone to face domestic or medical difficulties.
Both organisations are part of the same movement, which is based on the principles of neutrality, independence and humanity. But they are different organisations. They have different management and different employees. They are independent of each other. The ICRC can be compared to a ‘surgeon’ working directly in war zones, while the Ukrainian Red Cross can be called a ‘family doctor’ who helps people regain their strength and dignity in peaceful life.
Read also: Maksym Dotsenko: Red Cross is reflection of country’s image
