The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement expands
21-11-2003 News Release 03/74
Geneva(ICRC) – At its meeting on 20 November 2003, the Assembly of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) formally recognised the Kazakh Red Crescent Society and the Micronesia Red Cross Society. These two societies are the 180th and 181st National Societies to join the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The recognition of a National Society before it joins the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is subject to 10 conditions set out in Article 4 of the Movement’s Statutes. One of these conditions is that the Society respect the fundamental principles of the Movement and be guided in its work by the principles of international humanitarian law.
The Kazakh Red Crescent Society carries out various types of humanitarian work, such as home help for the elderly and isolated, first aid training, assistance to vulnerable people and youth education.
The Micronesia Red Cross Society has been very active in providing assistance after natural disasters and during public health crises. Its activities include operating a blood donor service, youth programmes and campaigns to raise awareness of HIV/Aids issues.
The ICRC congratulates these newly recognised National Societies and asks their sister Societies to give them a warm welcome at the 28th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which is being held in Geneva between 2 and 6 December. The main theme of the Conference is “Protecting human dignity” and it will be attended by representatives of the 181 National Societies, the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the 191 States party to the Geneva Conventions.
For further information please contact: Ian Piper, ICRC Geneva, tel. ++41 22 730 20 63