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 aroundthe 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. 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 Crossmembers 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. 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.
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 deliverin
This article requires PRO
This article is outside the free access window or is a special report. PRO unlocks it and the full archive.
Related articles
- Repatriation of Myanmar Nationals Abroad is Not Humanitarian Aid but Forced Conscription for Military Service, Revolutionary Groups Point Out
Nai Min Lwin / Irrawaddy Times October 6, 2023 The National Unity Government (NUG), youth residing abroad, and revolutionary force members have pointed out that the interim government's repatriation of Myanmar nationals,
- State Administration Council Chairman U Min Aung Hlaing to make official visit to Malaysia
State Administration Council Chairman U Min Aung Hlaing will make an official visit to Malaysia in the coming days at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, according to the Ministry of Fore
- If excuses for reform continue, Myanmar will be the poorest country in the next 20 years, says MP
If excuses for reform continue, Myanmar will be the poorest country in the next 20 years, said U Aye Chan, a representative for Hlaing Thar Yar (East) constituency. He made the remarks during a debate on bank consolidation held in the Pyithu Hluttaw on October 5. "Excuses that it does not yet suit Myanmar's situation have been given since 1962. What is the result of the excuses given in '62? It has become the poorest country in Southeast Asia. I propose this because I cannot bear to see Myanmar become the poorest country for another twenty years," he said. It is understood that after five representatives debated the proposal for bank consolidation, it was recorded that it should be considered when the time is right, and the current situation will be monitored. It is known that Myanmar has four state-owned banks and 27 private banks, and among these 27 private banks, there are seven large banks, two medium-sized banks, and 18 small banks, according to the Central Bank of Myanmar. U Aye Chan, who proposed the bank consolidation, is the son of former Chief of Defence Services (Navy) U Soe Thein, who served as a senior minister responsible for economic policies during the administration of President Thein Sein.
- YGN Region CM met with returnees from Malaysia
The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar places great importance on supporting its citizens and assists Myanmar nationals residing abroad under any circumstances whenever they encounter difficulties. On the