History / Mission

The Georgia Red Cross Society acts as a voluntary, humanitarian, non-governmental and independent organization with an auxiliary role to the public authorities in humanitarian work.  We carry out our activities across the country in line with our mission and according to the Fundamental Principles of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Georgia Red Cross Society enjoys duties and responsibilities in compliance with the legislation in force.

The Georgia Red Cross was founded in 1918 and officially recognized by the law “On The Georgia Red Cross Society” in 1997. The law was renewed later in 2017. 

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Our Vision

Georgia Red Cross Society responds to and focuses on human suffering and the promotion of an environment free from poverty, violence, and prejudice.

The Georgia Red Cross Society as an auxiliary organization to public authorities in the humanitarian field (Law of Georgia, “On the Georgia Red Cross Society” 15/07/2017) has been serving the most vulnerable people to alleviate the human suffering while protecting human life and dignity for more than a century.

The Georgia Red Cross Society has been a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies since 1997 and, first time in its history, in 2017, the Georgia Red Cross Society has been elected by the representatives of 192 National Societies, as one of 20 Governing Board members of the largest humanitarian network in the world. 

The Georgia Red Cross Society is the only non-state institution across the country to be assigned the specific functions in the National Civil Safety Plan (in accordance with the resolution of the Prime Minister #508, December 2015). The functions are as follows:



The GRCS participates in search and rescue activities in the zones of emergencies; under the coordination of the Emergency Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, coordinates the activities of non-governmental organizations involved in emergencies resulting in liquidation activities.
The GRCS is an auxiliary body to the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia in provision of primary medical care for the injured, and arranges field hospital.
Also, the GRCS is auxiliary to the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia in provision of food and water during emergencies. This underlines a unique role of the Georgia Red Cross Society, as it demonstrates a given credibility and recognition of the National Society.

It is important to us that people share and protect the fundamental principles of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to make the world a better place. 

Humanity

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield. The Movement endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found.

It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality

The Movement makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.

It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give 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, whilst auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to 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 only be one Red Cross or 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, in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.