Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina recognized as 177th National Society

Geneva/Sarajevo (ICRC) - During its session of 8 May 2001, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recognized the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the 177th National Society member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the rare national organizations in Bosnia-Herzegovina created by the shared determination of its members from all over the country to overcome the divisions caused by war.

With its network throughout the country, it provides a range of vital humanitarian services for a population struggling to cope with the aftermath of the conflict, economic hardship and a difficult process of reconstruction.

The Society's main activities include home care, mine-awareness programmes, first-aid training, tracing of missing persons and support for their families, blood collection, Red Cross Youth activities, prevention of drug abuse, HIV/AIDS-awareness campaigns and community health projects.

This work is carried out by 6,800 volunteers and 375 paid staff in 155 branches throughout the country.

The Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina encompasses two entity Red Cross organizations - the Red Cross of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Red Cross of Republika Srpska - under a common National Assembly and Presidency.

The Society's Presidency is chaired by three persons, one serving as chairman and the other two as co-chairs. They rotate among themselves every eight months. The current chairman is Dr Midhat Haracic; Ms Adela Skaro and Mr Bran o Dursun are the co-chairs.