International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Emblem of the IFRC
Abbreviation	IFRC
Formation	5 May 1919; 105 years ago (1919-05-05)
Type	Humanitarian aid organization
Purpose	To carry out relief operations to assist victims of disasters, and combine this with development work to strengthen the capacities of its member National Societies
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Secretary General	Jagan Chapagain
President	Kate Forbes
Main organ	Governing board[1]
Parent organization	International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Budget	495,444,000 CHF[2]
Website	www.ifrc.org

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a worldwide humanitarian aid organization that reaches 160 million people each year through its 191 member National Societies.^[4] It acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.^[5][6] It does so independently and with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions.^[7]

The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement along with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and 191 National Societies.^[8] The IFRC's strength lies in its volunteer network, community-based expertise and independence and neutrality. It works to improve humanitarian standards, as partners in development and in response to disasters. It persuades decision makers to act in the interests of vulnerable people. It works to enable healthy and safe communities, reduce vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience and foster a culture of peace around the world.