“Our Principles in Action” – 8 May World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

The World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is held annually on 8 May. This year, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement launches a global conversation celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the adoption of the Fundamental Principles. The anniversary provides a unique opportunity to discuss the importance of the principles, and reaffirm their relevance and meaning in today's changing humanitarian landscape.

Held on 8 May, the birthday of Henry Dunant, the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is an annual celebration of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Each year, Red Cross and Red Crescent societies organise activities within local communities to highlight the role of the Movement in their respective countries.

The theme of this year's World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is "Our Principles in Action". The Fundamental Principles - Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality, unite the Movement in 189 countries and are the basis of its decisions and actions. This series of personal stories demonstrates how the real-life application of the principles enables individuals to retain their human dignity in the face of conflict, disaster or crisis.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is one of a series of events held throughout the world to highlight and discuss the Fundamental Principles – including a Global Engagement Initiative, panel discussions and a celebration in Vienna – culminating with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's 32nd International Conference in December.

More personal stories on the principles here.