The International Red Cross celebrates World Humanitarian Day in 192 countries

Pandemics, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, fires, construction disasters, armed conflicts – the Polish Red Cross is always ready to assist victims of all crises. No matter what. Quick response and effective solutions are our hallmarks. We strive to respond at lightning speed: within the first hours of a crisis occurring. Humanitarianism is one of the 7 fundamental principles guiding our thoughtful actions, along with Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

An important test for the Polish Red Cross was the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Our experiences in responding to crisis situations became very significant also after the outbreak of armed conflict in Ukraine. We were one of the first humanitarian organizations to extend a friendly hand to refugees at the Polish-Ukrainian border. We are still helping: providing material, psychosocial support, or related to professional activation. We send transport of humanitarian aid, recently, among others, to Bucha and to areas flooded after the dam was destroyed in Nova Kakhovka.

In the last month, the Polish Red Cross also launched humanitarian aid for those affected by the flood in Slovenia. The first transport with food and hygiene packages has already arrived at the site. A fundraising campaign is ongoing for the Polish Red Cross account to provide long-term support to the affected. Previously, we engaged in actions after the major earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, 2023.

Humanitarian activities in the Polish Red Cross are managed by the Humanitarian Aid System. It is a structure analogous to the Polish Red Cross Rescue System. Both systems have a set of standards and procedures that ensure smooth functioning in all phases of a crisis: the preparatory phase, crisis response, and long-term aid. Based on our experiences from recent years, we create Humanitarian Aid Groups. The first group was established in 2020 in Lublin. Currently, such volunteer groups operate in 11 provinces.

On Humanitarian Aid Day, we pay special attention to all individuals who dedicate themselves to working for others – often at the risk of their own health and life. Over the past twenty years, more than 40,000 humanitarian workers have fallen victim to attacks while fulfilling their missions. Therefore, this year we appeal for respect for the Red Cross symbol, which should remain a universal symbol of humanitarianism and neutrality. This symbol should not be abused – it is protected by law. Nor should anything or anyone marked with one of the most important and recognizable symbols in human history be attacked.