Introduction

Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) came into being in 1963. It was recognized by the ICRC in 1964 and affiliated to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the same year. NRCS has, over the years, grown to be the largest humanitarian organization in Nepal, with its network of District Chapters (DCs) extended in each of the 75 districts of the country. District Chapters receive organizational support from more than 800 Sub-Chapters and Co-operation Committees under them. A significant portion of its activities are also borne by students and youth volunteers of Nepal Junior and Youth Red Cross Circles organized at schools, campuses and communities.

Vision

Nepal Red Cross Society shall remain an efficient, self-sustainable, and independent humanitarian organization committed to provide immediate relief to human suffering and reduce vulnerability, under the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross, through its network of Red Cross workers throughout the country working closely with communities and governmental and non-governmental organizations in a democratic, transparent and participatory way.

Mission

The mission of the Nepal Red Cross is to relieve human suffering and to reduce vulnerability through community participation and mobilization of an increased number of volunteers, by expanding and strengthening the organizational structure of the society and by building links with governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Objectives and Functions

With the primary objective of alleviating or reducing human suffering without discrimination on grounds of religion, race, sex, class, caste, tribe, nationality or political belief, the Society shall have the following functions:

• To serve war-victims, both civilians and army personnel, in times of armed conflict, and to work in the fields identified by the Geneva Conventions, including Tracing, in times of peace.
• To contribute to promoting and improving health condition, preventing of diseases and reducing suffering.
• To arrange for emergency relief services for disaster victims.
• To organize Junior and Youth Red Cross as an integral part of Nepal Red Cross Society and to conduct activities promoting their participation.
• To promote the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement and International Humanitarian Law with the objective of developing humanitarian ideals.
• To ensure respect for the International Humanitarian Law and protection of the Red Cross Emblem.
• To perform other functions of community development and public welfare.