Friday 26 July 2013

Friday Five: Red Cross

I know I've blogged about the Red Cross before, but this is slightly different because I have got a temping job there for a few weeks and it has re-emphasised my admiration for the organisation.

5 Things I Admire about the Red Cross:
  1. Impartiality - 'It makes no discimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.'
  2. Humanity - 'Born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found.'
  3. Neutraity - 'In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sidesin hostilitieas or engage at any time on controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.'
  4. Volunary Service - 'The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.'
  5. The stunning simplicity of the symbol - For 150 years the emblem has saved lives, particularly those of the wounded, prisoners or war and civilians in wartime. In armed conflict the red cross says 'Don't Shoot!' The red cross and red crescent emblems have in recent times been mistakenly believed to have religious or political connotations. This led to the need for a third emblem - the red crystal - to be adopted in December 2005.