About us – Ethiopian Red Cross Society

BIRTH OF ERCS

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network of 80 million people that helps those facing disaster, conflict and health and social problems. It consists of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), one of the 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world, was founded on July 8^th, 1935, by government edict, following the second Italian invasion of Ethiopia. ERCS began by providing humanitarian services to wounded soldiers and civilian victims. That same year on 25^th September 1935, ERCS was officially recognized as the 48^th member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

ERCS is auxiliary to the government and yet it is an independent humanitarian organization. It was established and recognized by law through a National Charter adopted in 31^th October 1947. The Charter has undergone various parliamentary revisions, the last being in 1999. The current Charter was endorsed by the Parliament in January 2018.

Dr. Thomas A. Lambie (1885 – 14 April 1954) was the first Secretary General of Ethiopia Red Cross Society from July 8/1935- May 5/1936. He was a missionary medical doctor noteworthy for becoming an Ethiopian citizen, being responsible for several early medical efforts in Ethiopia (including the founding of two hospitals). He also worked as a medical doctor in Sudan, Nigeria, and Palestine, where he died.

Currently, the Society has a structure consisting of 12 regional offices, 34 zonal branches and 132 district (Woreda) branches, as well as more than 5,800 Kebele Red Cross Committees at the grass root-level. The Society has 6.1 million members, and there are currently over 258,000 volunteers registered throughout the nation, of whom 47,000 are actively engaged in various humanitarian initiatives.

ERCS Activities from 1935 - 2015 GC

MISSION

To prevent and alleviate human sufferings through appropriate and timely humanitarian and development interventions, contribute to the wellbeing of humankind and prevalence of peace by mobilizing the public and partners in Ethiopia and around the world.

VISION

To be the leading National Society in Africa.

CORE VALUES

Care – we care about plight of affected and vulnerable people.

Learning – we believe in continuous learning and innovation.

Sensitive – we are sensitive to time, gender, disabilities, and environment.

Solidarity – we collaborate with movement and non-movement partners to serve humanity.

Integrity – we walk the talk and strive to be trustworthy.

MOTTO

We Live for Humanity!

ERCS Organizational Structure

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

The 20^th International Conference of the Red Cross in Vienna in 1965 proclaimed seven Fundamental Principles that bind together the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. These principles ensure the continuity of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and its humanitarian work.

Humanity

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours – in its international and national capacity – to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality

It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve suffering, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality

In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence

The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary Service

It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity

There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a worldwide institution in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.