10 things you might not know about the Red Cross

1. A gruesome battle sparked the idea for the Red Cross

On his journey to meet Napoleon III in 1859, the businessman Henry Dunant witnessed a bloody battle in present-day Italy. What he saw horrified him: men were left to die in agony without medical aid.

This sparked his vision for impartial medical volunteers, who helped the wounded no matter what side of the war they were on.

2. It's the largest humanitarian network in the world!

Amazingly, almost every country in the world has a Red Cross National Society. When crisis strikes, volunteers in the affected country are the first to respond, with other societies providing aid and expertise when there's a serious need.

3. We work in some of the most dangerous places

Thanks to our principles and unique role under the Geneva Conventions, we're allowed to cross borders and reach areas that other aid organisations cannot. This means we can even help people in some of the most dangerous places on earth.

4. The Red Cross is NOT a logo

It's an emblem that's protected by international law. It's a symbol of protection. Everyone and anyone, irrespective of nationality, religion or politics, can find help from the Red Cross.

5. It's also not a religious symbol

The Red Cross is not a religious symbol: due to our Swiss roots, it's actually the reverse of the Swiss flag. However, some National Societies use red crescent or red crystal symbols to avoid negative religious connotations, ensuring it represents protection for all.

6. We find missing relatives

Thousands of families are separated every year by disasters like tsunamis, conflicts or migration. By working as a global network, we reconnect families who have been separated, whether that's immediately after a crisis or years later from across the world.

7. We promote limits to the extremes of war

The Red Cross has a special mandate to promote International Humanitarian Law. These 'rules of war' protect victims of armed conflict and limit the extremes of war, helping former enemies to live together and preventing never-ending cycles of violence.

8. We have close ties to the Royals

There was a long-standing relationship between the Royal Family and the Red Cross.

9. We work closely with the NHS

Following the founding of the NHS after the Second World War to our role with the NHS today, we have a proud relationship. From supporting in certain A&E departments, providing ambulances and crew, to helping people get home from hospital and ensuring they're settled in with food and essentials – it forms a lot of what we do in the UK.

10. We’re one of the founders of Missing Maps

A volunteer-led project that maps corners of the world that are quite literally missing from maps, helping humanitarian organisations like us to reach people in need.

Help write the next chapter

From battlefield beginnings to reuniting families, mapping the unmapped, and supporting the NHS—our story is built on compassion, courage, and quiet determination. But we can’t do it alone. With a monthly gift, you’ll help us keep reaching the people and places others can’t.

You’ll be part of a movement that protects, connects, and cares—wherever and whenever it’s needed most.

• Be part of what comes next. Give monthly.