The Red Cross

Purpose: To provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies, with respect to humanity, impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

Date of Origin: May 21, 1881

Original Membership: 12 countries originally signed the geneva convention but by the time the Red cross was officially formed there were 32 countries that had signed the Geneva convention.

Geneva convention: this convention/treaty established the fundamental principle that "wounded or sick combatants, to whatever nation they may belong, shall be collected and cared for by doctors wearing a red cross.

Current Membership: 191 countries

Director:

Staff: 4,000 people

Accomplishments: 
Helped to eradicate smallpox in 1980
Polio is almost eradicated along with guinea-worm.
Major efforts have also been taken to curve the spread of HIV

Location: Kobe, Japan.

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