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NIGERIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY RULES
RULE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. Legal Base of the National Society
i. Nigerian Red Cross Society was established by an Act, of Parliament in 1960 and recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1961 and was admitted in the International Federation of Red Cross Crescent Societies in the same year.
ii. The Society is the only National Society of the Red Cross in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and carries out its humanitarian activities throughout the territory of the Federation;
iii. The Society is recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria as a Voluntary Aid Society, auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian services.
2. Mission of the National Society
The mission of the National Society mission is to alleviate the situation of the vulnerable people which include those affected by disaster, epidemics, armed conflicts and the poorest communities in both urban and rural areas amongst whom are women, children, aged, displaced and other vulnerable people.
3. Vision of the National Society
i. To build a strong National Society that will continue to respond to both conflicts and other emergency situations with required professionalism;
ii To build a visible and respectable National Society in terms of activities, integrity, accountability, internal and external relations;
iii. To develop focused and strategic systems that will enhance efficient service delivery with the required impact;
iv. To develop the potentials in young people with the aim of mobilizing them for the purpose of service delivery to the vulnerable;
v. To put in place human and material resources for achieving the above visions.
4. The Fundamental Principles of the National Society
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has seven fundamental principles which are binding to the National Society. These are:-
i. Humanity.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, out of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering whenever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
ii. Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationally, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
iii. Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, ethnic, religious or ideological nature.
iv. Independence
The Movement is independent. The National Society, while auxiliary to public authorities and subject to the laws of the country, shall always maintain its autonomy so that it may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
v. Voluntary Services
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
vi. Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
vii. Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
5. Purposes of the National Society
The general purposes of the Society, without discriminating based on place of origin, race, ethnicity, nationality, class, language, gender, religious belief or political opinion, are as follows:-
a. in time of war or armed conflict, to furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded both of armies and among non-belligerents, and to prisoners of war and civilian sufferers from the effects of war or armed conflict, in accordance with the spirit and conditions of the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols;
b. in time of natural, chemical, biological and technological disaster and epidemics, to provide assistance to the most affected in accordance with its statutes;
c. to perform all duties devolved upon the National Society by each nation which has acceded to the said conventions and by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement;
d. to assist victims of internal violence and to help victims in the preservation of their physical integrity and dignity;
e. in time of peace, war or armed conflict, to carry on and assist in work for the improvement of health, the prevention of disease and mitigation of suffering throughout the world.
6. Functions of the National Society
In promoting the general purposes of the Society, it shall be the duty of the Society:-
a. to train personnel and maintain a permanent organization to relieve sickness, suffering and distress, especially the causalities of war, armed conflict and disaster;
b. when engaged in relief work, to supplement official services where they exist, and in particular to be prepared to supply trained auxiliaries for the medical services of the Armed Forces, for other medical and nursing services; to provide additional stores, special equipment and extra comforts where needed and to be ready to take the initiative where an official service does not exist or is limited;
c. to be ready in any emergency to organize relief services and supply personnel, stores and equipment as a temporary measure until the official services are ready to take over or the need cases to exist, and to co-operate with other organizations, if necessary, in organizing such services;
d. generally to act as a channel through which the public may express their sympathy for the sick and suffering, but except in the circumstances set out in paragraphs (b) and (c) not to subsidize Government Schemes or assume responsibilities, which are the legitimate functions of the government: Provided that where the Society is informed by the Government that the Government is unable to undertake them, until such time as the Government is able to do so;
e. to undertake work in accordance with the principles of the Movement for the improvement of health and prevention of disease, including courses of instruction open to the public;
f. to promote and encourage the enrolment of adult and youth members in the work of the Society;
g. to encourage, coordinate and support the work of the Branches. Divisions, and Subsidiary Units in carrying out the functions of the Society;
h. to bring to the knowledge of the people of Nigeria the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law;
i. to cooperate with the government to ensure respect, and protection of the Red Cross/ Red Crescent Emblems;
j. to educate and promote the fundamental principles and ideals of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement among the population.
7. National Headquarters of the National Society
The National Headquarters of the Society is situated in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All meetings of any national organ of the Society shall be held at the National Headquarters except otherwise decided by the Central Council.
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