Celebrating World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day (May 8): Standing together with humanity

On this day 162 years ago, from the idea in the book “Memories of Solferino” by Henry Dunant after witnessing the fierce battle between the French-Italian allied forces against the Austrian occupiers that left 40,000 casualties on the battlefield, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was born and established the first National Societies. In the same year, the distinguishing mark - the red cross on a white background - to identify and protect those who help wounded soldiers on the battlefield was adopted. In 1864, the first Convention (“Geneva Convention”) was adopted by member countries. In 1919, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was established. To date, there are 191 National Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies in the world that are members of the Movement, carrying out humanitarian activities across all continents, truly becoming a progressive development trend globally. The founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross marked the birth of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the largest humanitarian movement in the world.

tet-nhan-ai-2025.3.jpg — Comrade Dang Hong Sy - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and leaders of the Provincial Red Cross Association presented gifts to people in difficult circumstances at the "Humanitarian Tet" program in 2025.

In memory of the founder of the movement, Henry Dunant's birthday (8 May) was chosen as World Red Cross Day. In 1948, the first official celebration of World Red Cross Day was held. In 1984, World Red Cross Day was renamed World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

Mr. Nguyen Minh - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee visited and wished a happy new year to poor patients being treated at the Provincial General Hospital on the occasion of Lunar New Year 2025.

This year's World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the tireless commitment of millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent staff, members and volunteers around the world. At the same time, raise awareness of the Movement's seven basic principles to continue to carry out humanitarian tasks. The theme "Humanitarian Together" has a special meaning when affirming the joint implementation of the seven principles, focusing on the Humanitarian principle - the fundamental principle of all humanitarian actions, making other basic principles possible.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhan - President of the Provincial Red Cross Association presented gifts to students in Dong Giang commune.

In Binh Thuan, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement at all levels has always adhered to the 7 principles of Humanity - Impartiality - Neutrality - Independence - Voluntary - Unity - Universality. With the role of a bridge connecting loving arms to bring joy and motivation to the disadvantaged in society, in recent years, the Red Cross at all levels has implemented humanitarian activities through programs, movements and campaigns such as: "Humanitarian Tet" movement; "For the poor - No one is left behind"; "Good people, good deeds - Joining hands to build a compassionate community"; the campaign "Each organization, each individual is associated with a humanitarian address"; Humanitarian month; the program "Safety for poor and disadvantaged fishermen" and "Nutrition for poor and disabled children"; supporting capital for economic development, creating jobs, improving the lives of poor households; community-based health care; voluntary blood donation; Grant scholarships to poor and studious students; build Red Cross houses and charity kitchens to serve poor patients...

In particular, the Humanitarian Month 2025 has been vigorously implemented by all levels of the Association and has received the support and companionship of many organizations, individuals, and philanthropists with meaningful, practical, community-oriented activities, contributing to spreading good values in society. With the theme "Humanitarian Journey - Spreading Love", this year's Humanitarian Month will begin from March 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025, including 2 peak weeks from May 8 (International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day) to May 19 (Birthday of President Ho Chi Minh, Founder and first Honorary President of the Association). With the goal of striving to mobilize resources of over 7 billion VND to implement activities in the Humanitarian Month and proactively be ready to respond to requests for humanitarian assistance in 2025 (in cash, goods, through commitments, sponsorship agreements, etc.).

In particular, the entire Association system in the province strives to mobilize and connect to achieve the following targets: Organizing 10 incense offering and visiting activities at martyrs' cemeteries and historical revolutionary sites; visiting and presenting gifts to 150 families of heroic Vietnamese mothers, families of martyrs, war invalids, veterans, and former youth volunteers in difficult circumstances; organizing 1 program of medical examination, health consultation, medicine provision, and gift giving for 300 to 500 people/program; building and repairing 3 Red Cross houses for the poor and people in especially difficult circumstances, with priority given to poor and disadvantaged fishing households, with a minimum value of 50 million VND/house; supporting the construction and repair of kitchens, providing clean water, and bookshelves for 1 school in difficult conditions, with a target of 300 million VND/school; mobilizing 100 people to register to donate human tissues and organs; Organize a charity festival: commend and honor "Good people, good deeds - Join hands to build a charitable community" and implement humanitarian projects and works...