Honour the sincere spirit and compassion of Red Cross members

THE Red Cross is not a single organization formed within one country, but a large global network composed of mem­bers and volunteers from around the world. Red Cross organizations are established with the aim of delivering timely assistance to people suffering from hardship worldwide, guided by the spirit of humanity.

 

Today, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Move­ment operates in nearly every country around the world, carrying out its duties with strong commitment. It works in accordance with seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutral­ity, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

 

In 1959, the government enacted the Myanmar Red Cross Society Act, assigning it responsibilities as a per­manent humanitarian organ­ization. Under this law, the St John Ambulance Brigade was reorganized as the My­anmar Ambulance Corps. In 1989, the organization was renamed the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS), and this name remains in use to this day. According to informa­tion available as of May 2026, the Myanmar Red Cross Soci­ety has established branches in more than 300 townships across the country. Supervi­sory committees have been formed in all states and re­gions, and there are approxi­mately 250,000 trained volun­teers.

 

The MRCS is one of the oldest volunteer organizations. Its main objective is to help protect and save human lives through first aid. When a pa­tient is found and cannot be transported to a hospital or clinic immediately, efforts are made to save their life by all possible means. Its official motto is “To alleviate suffering”.

 

Successfully implementing Red Cross activities helps share and ease the burden of people’s suffering and reduces the impact of emergencies that threaten lives, property, and daily living conditions. Red Cross members place priority on safeguarding people’s lives and property and alleviating suffering above their own interests, carrying out their assigned duties with dedication and self-sacrifice. Their actions are not driven by compulsion, but by a sincere spirit and compassion, through which they provide first aid and extend rescue and relief assistance to those facing hardship and disaster.

 

Red Cross volunteers dedicate their time and effort – and at times risk their own lives – to go to areas affected by danger and disaster. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026 is celebrated on Friday, 8 May, honouring the birth anniversary of the founder, Henry Dunant. The 2026 theme focuses on “Keeping Humanity Alive” to honour volunteers and staff providing essential care in disasters and armed conflicts.