What will it take to build an International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement free from racism, xenophobia and discrimination?

March 2022

Tags: Discrimination / Diversity / Fundamental Principles / Inclusion / Racism / Xenophobia

In every society, there are people who experience racism and discrimination. The intersection between these dynamics and humanitarianism presents a complex reality – including within and for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) – and one that warrants investigation. As members of a global Movement, we cannot ignore the fact that we are the product of our individual contexts and environments, and therefore influenced by different attitudes to racism and discrimination. This article supports the forthcoming Council of Delegates workshop entitled “What will it take to build an International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement free from racism, xenophobia and discrimination?”

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Beyond Rhetoric: The Need to Tackle Racism and Discrimination

November 2020

Tags: Discrimination / Diversity

The global anti-racism protests have caused all of us to collectively reflect on some difficult truths regarding racism and discrimination. The humanitarian sector is not immune to these discussions, with calls for reflections about long-standing problems of systemic racism and ‘de-colonizing’ the aid system. As the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, we must be involved in these difficult conversations and should not shy away from serious reflections. There are no boundaries in terms of where we can go based on our Fundamental Principles, and what we should do as individuals and organisations. This is our moral responsibility.

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