World Red Cross Day 2025: Everything To Know About Date, History, Significance And More

The World Red Cross is observed on May 8 every year. The date marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize. The Red Cross is a global humanitarian organisation that is dedicated to protecting human life and health, ensuring respect for all human beings, and preventing and alleviating human suffering. It operated through a network of national societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

About World Red Cross Day

World Cross Day observes the tireless work of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who risk their life and their own safety to assist others, especially during situations of anarchy, chaos, and crisis. The day also aims to highlight the seven fundamental principles of the movement: humanity, neutrality, independence, unity and universality, service, voluntary service, impartiality, and neutrality.

World Cross Day significance

World Red Cross Day aims to increase public awareness about the needs of people affected by war, disaster, conflict and other emergencies. This significant day also aims to encourage individuals and organisations for humanitarian work. It also promotes a sense of shared responsibility and encourages people to come together to help those affected by crises.

History of World Red Cross Day

The History of the World Red Cross Day traces back to Henry Dunant, who witnessed the horrors of the Battle of Solferino in 1859. After witnessing the suffering of people in the battle, and he proposed an organisation that would help the wounded in wars without any discrimination. Further, this idea led to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863. The first World Red Cross Day was observed in 1948, after World War II. It was decided to celebrate it on Dunant's birth anniversary to honour his vision of humanitarian assistance for all.