Zimbabwe Red Cross Society

The movement has approximately 97 million volunteers, members and staff worldwide, it was founded to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society:
The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, ZRCS, was founded in 1981. The Society existed as a branch of the British Red Cross for 49 years until it was established by an act of parliament, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Act Chapter 30, in 1981. In 1983, it was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross and became a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Socities.
The ZRCS operates in all the provinces in Zimbabwe. At present, there are 282 branches. As a gender sensitive organization, women constitute more than 52 per cent of the total members. At headquarters, women constitute 53 per cent of the senior staff members. This is a result of the equal opportunities and affirmative-action policies.

Red Cross Red Crescent Emblem:
The emblem of the Red Cross on a white background is the visible sign of protection under the Geneva Conventions, and as such, is the emblem of the medical services of the armed forces. In many countries with a predominantly Muslim population, a red crescent is used instead. Neither emblem has any religious significance. Both emblems have two purposes. The first is to protect sick and wounded victims of war, and those authorised to care for them. The second is to indicate that the person or object on which the emblem is displayed is connected with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The emblems must be trusted absolutely to signify neutrality and impartiality. That is why their unauthorised use is forbidden in international and national law.

History of Zimbabwe Red Cross Society:

Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, ZRCS, was established through an Act of Parliament

Serving humanity in Zimbabwe THE Fundamental Principles – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, universality – reflect a certain discipline within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, but they also and above all convey an overriding concern for human welfare. Admittedly, the Red Cross was not the first to relieve human suffering. Solidarity and compassion have always been widely expressed in both words and deeds in the most diverse cultures. The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society always strives to alleviate human suffering. The Society functions as an auxiliary to government in all its main programmes. However, the ZRCS maintains its autonomy and independence. Having started as a branch of the British Red Cross Society which was in existence in Zimbabwe as a voluntary association for 49 years, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society was established through an Act of Parliament, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society in 1981. The purpose of the Act is to constitute the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society as the national Red Cross Society for the purposes of the Geneva Conventions; to amend section 2 of the Welfare Organisations Act (Chapter 93); and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with the foregoing. It was officially recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross and was admitted into the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 1983. . The International Federation’s Strategy 2010 has been used in the planning process; in particular for the development of a long-term strategic plan. The ZRCS operates in all the provinces in Zimbabwe. At present, there are 282 branches. As a gender sensitive organization, women constitute more than 52 per cent of the total members. At headquarters, women constitute 53 per cent of the senior staff members. This is a result of the equal opportunities and affirmative-action policies. The ZRCS has a volunteer development policy implemented through its development programme for leadership at the grass-roots level. The Society has also strategic core groups of volunteer professionals at national and provincial levels. The role of the ZRCS staff is to coordinate and monitor the work carried out by volunteers. The ZRCS runs several programmers all aimed at alleviating human suffering and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of those in distress.

Purpose of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Act – To constitute the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society as the national Red Cross Society for the purposes of the Geneva Conventions; to amend section 2 of the Welfare Organisations Act (Chapter 93); and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with the foregoing Enacted by the President and the Parliament of Zimbabwe in 1981 through the Zimbabwe Red Cross Act, 1981.

Started as branch of the British Red Cross Society which was in existence in Zimbabwe as a voluntary association.

According to the ZRCS Act, section 4, the objects of the Society shall be:

    4a) in times of armed conflict and in peace time, to act in all the fields covered by the Geneva Conventions and on behalf of all persons, both military and civilian, suffering from the effects of armed conflicts.

    4b) in times of peace to make preparations for the carrying out its functions in the event of armed conflict

    4c) on its own initiative to organize emergency relief to victims of disasters, however caused, where possible in accordance with a national plan

    4d) in co-operation with public authorities where this is possible, to encourage, support and carry on any activity which relieves suffering and promotes the health and welfare of the community and to provide public instruction in such activities:

provided that , save in circumstances which the Society considers to be exceptional, the Society shall not subsidize any scheme or assume any responsibility which is the legitimate of some public authority

    4e) to inspire boys and girls of school age with the ideals of the Junior Red Cross, namely health, service and international friendship, and to form Junior Units wherever possible

    4f) to interest and instruct public and official opinion in the work of the Red Cross, in the Geneva Conventions and in the principles which inspire the Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions

    4g) to recruit and train members to perform the activities specified in paragraphs a) to f) and for this purpose to establish such regional and local committees as the Society considers appropriate

    4h) generally, to carry out and assist in work for the improvement of health, the prevention of disease and the alleviation of suffering wherever it may occur in times of peace or armed conflict.

Section 5 of the ZRCS Act sub paragraph (2): In the exercise of its powers in terms of this Act the Society and its agents shall not discriminate adversely on the ground of race, colour, nationality, tribe, place of origin, political opinions or creed, and shall act in accordance with the spirit and principles of the Geneva Conventions.

Section 6
The Society is hereby recognized as a voluntary aid society auxiliary to the public authorities both for the purposes of the Geneva Conventions and otherwise

The independent and voluntary nature of the Society shall at all times be respected in accordance with the resolution relating to National Red Cross Societies adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the 19th of November , 1946

The Society shall be the only Red Cross society in Zimbabwe

The provisions of this section shall bind the State.

Section 7

The Society may use, in conformity with the Geneva Conventions –
a) the emblem of a red cross with vertical and horizontal arms the same length on and completely surrounded by a white background; and,

b) the designation “Red Cross” and “Geneva Cross”

Section 12
Section 2 of the Welfare Organisations Act (Chapter 93) is amended in the definition of “welfare organization” by the insertion after paragraph (vii) of the following paragraph –” (vii) the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society established by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Act, 1981.”

Vision, Mission and Core Values

Our Vision

To become a dynamic voluntary organization which leads in the satisfaction of humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable groups.

Our Mission

To provide timely appropriate and acceptable humanitarian services to the most vulnerable groups through well managed programmes in:

• Health education and services
• Youth Development
• Disaster preparedness and response,

Resource Development, while encouraging self-reliance and promotion of human dignity.

Our Core Values

Central to the achievements of the mission, the organization will uphold the following values:

Integrity and Professionalism, Transparency and accountability, Commitment to serving humanity.

Our Principles:
The Fundamental Principles are the result of a century of experience. Proclaimed in Vienna in 1965, they bond together the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and guarantee the continuity of the Movement and its humanitarian work.

HUMANITY
The Red Cross, 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, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

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

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

INDEPENDENCE
The Red Cross 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 Red Cross principles.

VOLUNTARY SERVICE
The Red Cross is a voluntary relief organization not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

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

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

Components of IRCRC Movement

IRCRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. It directs and coordinates the international relief activities conducted by the Movement in situations of conflict. It also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Federation
The Federation works on the basis of the Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to inspire, facilitate and promote all humanitarian activities carried out by its member National Societies to improve the situation of the most vulnerable people. Founded in 1919, the Federation directs and coordinates international assistance of the Movement to victims of natural and technological disasters. to refugees and in health emergencies. It acts as the official representative of its member Societies in the international field. It promotes cooperation between National Societies and works to strengthen their capacity to carry out effective disaster preparedness, health and social programmes.

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies embody the work and principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in more than 186 countries. National Societies act as auxiliaries to the public authorities of their own countries in the humanitarian field and provide a range of services including disaster relief, health and social programmes. During wartime. National Societies assist the affected civilian population and support the army medical services where appropriate.

All National Societies must first be recognized by the ICRC, on the basis of a set of conditions for recognition, in order to become part of the Movement. Subsequently they may become members of the International Federation, the National Societies’ umbrella organization.

Address:
Number 10 St Annes Road
Avondale
Harare
Zimbabwe