British Red Cross Operations Manager from London awarded the MBE in Kings Birthday Honours List

Amina Hussein, a long-serving Operations Manager for the British Red Cross, has received the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of over 30 years of dedicated humanitarian service.

The medal recognises Amina’s outstanding commitment to reuniting families through her work in the International Family Tracing service and the global Restoring Family Links (RFL) network. Since 1993, she has supported people affected by conflict, disaster, and migration, helping thousands of families find their missing loved ones.

Amina’s contribution spans over three decades of major international crises, including conflicts in Liberia, Angola, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Bosnia, Rwanda, Kosovo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sri Lanka, the Gulf Wars, and Afghanistan.

She has provided expert support on complex cases involving foreign fighters and their families, people detained in Guantanamo, and many others whose fates remain uncertain. Amina has also responded to major humanitarian disasters, such as the Montserrat volcano eruption, Hurricane Katrina, the Iran and Pakistan earthquakes, and the Boxing Day Tsunami.

Amina said: "I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition. This work holds great meaning for me. Every day, we strive to bring hope to individuals facing some of the most challenging moments in their lives. It’s been a true privilege to support separated families and help them find their way back to one another.

“However, many more families around the world still live without news of their loved ones. This is a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian responsibility to continue our efforts and support those still searching for answers."

Amina’s work has taken her across the world — including deployments in Rwanda, Kenya, Niger, and most recently Poland, where she worked with the Polish Red Cross to strengthen support for people affected by the war in Ukraine.

As a delegate and member of the International Committee of the Red Cross’s international pool of RFL specialists, Amina’s outstanding leadership, kindness and determination have left a lasting mark on colleagues across the British Red Cross and the wider Movement. She’s been at the heart of shaping the service we know today.

British Red Cross Chief Executive Béatrice Butsana-Sita said: “Amina is an incredible ambassador for the British Red Cross and has been a valued staff member for 32 years in our International Family Tracing service and the global Restoring Family Links network.

“I am delighted to see Amina rewarded for her work with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list and would like to congratulate her on this amazing achievement.”

ENDS

About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk