About the IFRC

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Our secretariat supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 191 countries, bringing together more than 16 million volunteers for the good of humanity.

Who are we and what do we do?

The IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

We are an international membership organization that unites 191 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and supports them through a global secretariat

We are present in virtually every community on earth. We reach 160 million people every year through long-term services, development programmes and disaster response. And we work to improve global humanitarian standards and persuade leaders to act in the interests of vulnerable people.

Our strength lies in our volunteer network, our unparalleled community-based expertise and our independence and neutrality.

We are committed to saving lives and changing minds. And we are guided by Strategy 2030—our collective plan of action to tackle the major humanitarian and development challenges of this decade.

Through our work we enable healthy and safe communities, reduce vulnerabilities, improve people’s resilience and promote peace around the world.

Learn about our current priorities in our Global Plan and browse plans for our work by country.

Watch: Local action, global reach

Our mission

The mission of the IFRC is to inspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies.

We do so with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering, thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.

By effectively coordinating and supporting the work of our member National Societies, the secretariat will ensure the IFRC fulfils its potential as an engaged, accountable and trusted humanitarian actor on a global scale.

Key figures

191 member National Societies

We are made up of 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, present in nearly every country on earth.

More than 16 million volunteers worldwide

Our volunteers are members of the very communities they serve. They know, and are trusted by, the people they support.

197,000 local branches

We engage in local action for global good. Through our expansive network of branches, we support even the remotest of communities.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Colleagues from the IFRC, ICRC and South Sudan Red Cross work together to respond to the needs of thousands of vulnerable communities across the country.

Colleagues from the IFRC, ICRC and South Sudan Red Cross work together to respond to the needs of thousands of vulnerable communities across the country.

Photo: IFRC/Corrie Butler

The IFRC, together with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

We work closely together and coordinate our work in line with our Fundamental Principles to reach people and communities that others are unable to.

Learn more about our Movement.