21st of May – Independence day of the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia
The years passed and the Red Cross became more and more capable of carrying out its humanitarian goals and tasks for providing help wherever needed. The Red Cross has aligned its goals and tasks with the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, namely: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.
The independence of the Republic of Macedonia resulted also with the independence of the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia. Thus, on May 21, 1992, a Decision for independence was adopted by the national society. In 1994, the Law on the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia was adopted. During this period, the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia had numerous diverse activities. In particular, the organization was active in taking care of refugees from different parts of the former Yugoslavia, where fierce battles were fought.
After the independence, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia on August 25, 1993 ratified the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977. On November 1, 1995, the Red Cross of the Republic of Macedonia was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross, and on November 27, 1995, the national society became the 169th full-fledged member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
