American Red Cross of Central Florida 

International Services

The American Red Cross works with a global network of Red Cross, Red Crescent and equivalent societies to restore hope and dignity to the world's vulnerable people. This international Red Cross movement brings emergency relief to disaster victims, and improves basic living conditions of those in chronically deprived areas of the world. Guided by our seven Fundamental Principles--Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality--the American Red Cross partners with countless organizations in the efficient and effective relief of human suffering and the empowerment of people with the skills they need to help themselves.

International Support Network
The members of the International Red Cross Movement include the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (Federation), and national societies like the American Red Cross or Mexican Red Cross. They all work together toward common goals during times of crisis or disaster. Programs are designed to meet ever-changing humanitarian needs and improve the human condition.
The American Red Cross is currently working with our sister societies in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Americas and in the former Soviet Union. With the generous support of the American people, the American Red Cross has developed into one of the strongest and most respected humanitarian service organizations in the world.

International Red Cross Emblems
The American Red Cross Board of Governors considered the admission of MDA to the Red Cross Movement a policy priority for more than 50 years and in June of 2000 began withholding its dues to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. After MDA's admission to the Movement in June of 2006, the Red Cross began repaying its dues to the Federation.
In December 2005, a Diplomatic Conference adopted the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, which enables MDA to continue to use the Red Shield of David when operating in Israel and, when operating outside of Israel, to use the Red Shield of David inside the newly adopted Red Crystal emblem. The third distinctive emblem—the Red Crystal—has officially joined the existing Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems. The creation of the Red Crystal and related decisions cleared the path for acceptance of Magen David Adom (MDA) the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross, and the Palestine Red Crescent Society into the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which happened in June 2006.

International Tracing Services
In collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross and more than 180 national societies, the American Red Cross works to locate loved ones who are missing due to war, natural disaster, or civil unrest and sends Red Cross messages between separated family members. Family Tracing Services are offered from the American Red Cross to the public for free.

Dissemination of International Humanitarian Law
The American Red Cross educates the American public about the guiding principles of international humanitarian law, as set forth by the Geneva Conventions of 1949. In a world where warfare and civil strife are a daily reality for millions, International Humanitarian Law provides a framework for protection for civilians and combatants alike. The American Red Cross has a unique mandate to educate the American public about the guiding principles and IHL framework as it applies to the protection of members of the armed forces, including prisoners of war and civilians.

Local Red Cross International Services Training
To fulfill its mission to educate the public about International Humanitarian Law, the American Red Cross of Central Florida offers free classes throughout the year within its International Services. To see the courses offered and scheduled, click here .

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Headquarters: 5 North Bumby Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32803 Phone: (407) 894-4141

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