FAQ – Ethiopian Red Cross Society

What is the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS)?

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) is an independent humanitarian organization established in 1935 and officially recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1936. Guided by the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, ERCS provides lifesaving assistance, promotes health and resilience, and supports communities in need across Ethiopia.

What does the ERCS do?

ERCS works to save lives, alleviate suffering, and strengthen community resilience through its key programs:

Disaster Preparedness and Response
Disaster Risk Reduction and Community Resilience
Health and Well-being Programs
Volunteer, Member, and Youth Engagement
Humanitarian Diplomacy and Communication
Partnership Development and Management
Institutional and Leadership Transformation
Resource Development, Mobilization, and Utilization

Beyond emergency response, ERCS also supports environmental protection, promotes peace and humanitarian values, and delivers community-based development initiatives.

How is the ERCS organized?

The ERCS operates nationwide through an extensive structure that ensures services reach communities across the country.

It has:

14 Regional Branches
40 Zonal Branches
132 Woreda (District) Branches
Kebele Red Cross Committees at the grassroots level

This network allows ERCS to effectively respond to emergencies and implement long-term community programs.

Who are ERCS’s partners?

ERCS collaborates with a wide range of Movement and Non-Movement partners to deliver humanitarian services.

Movement Partners:

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and other national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Non-Movement Partners:

UKaid/FCDO, USAID, European Union, Save the Children, Africa CDC, UNICEF, WFP, Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Meteorological Institute, among others.

What are the Fundamental Principles of the ERCS?

ERCS adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement:

Humanity
Impartiality
Neutrality
Independence
Voluntary Service
Unity
Universality

These principles guide all ERCS actions and ensure trust, neutrality, and respect in every humanitarian intervention.

How can I get help from the ERCS?

If you need assistance or humanitarian support, please contact your nearest ERCS branch office.

Our regional and local branches are always ready to provide help based on available programs and needs.

How can I volunteer, donate, or become a member?

You can make a difference by joining the ERCS family as a volunteer or member.

Visit the official ERCS website: https://redcrosseth.org/

https://redcrosseth.org/get-involved/be-a-volunteer/

https://redcrosseth.org/get-involved/be-a-member/ or contact your nearest ERCS branch office to register.

You can also support our humanitarian efforts by making a donation: https://redcrosseth.org/get-involved/donate/ your contribution helps us continue lifesaving work such as water trucking, food distribution, and emergency relief.