70TH ANNIVERSARY OF MACEDONIAN RED CROSS FOUNDATION

If time witnesses the events, then we can say that Macedonian Red Cross programme activities in the past decades are evidence for the strong commitment to the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The successful implementation of Macedonian Red Cross programme activities has always been supported by the state institutions in the Republic of Macedonia and the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The activities of the national society are implemented with the valuable support of the members and volunteers of the organization who deeply believe in the goals and tasks of the Red Cross Movement and the mission of Macedonian Red Cross targeted for improvement of the well-being of the vulnerable population in the Republic of Macedonia always in compliance with the fundamental principles: humanity; impartiality; neutrality; independence; voluntary service; unity and universality. The established cooperation with the local and national media in the country and the high level of awareness of the journalists for the humanitarian aspects of the Red Cross work contributed for raising public awareness on the work of Macedonian Red Cross in the Republic of Macedonia. Macedonian Red Cross was officially founded immediately after the Second World War in 1945, when people came out of war which brought them big distress and traumatism. With the development of the country in post-war environment Macedonian Red Cross struggled to provide appropriate assistance and support to the citizens who experienced troubles and difficulties. On regular basis the Red Cross was the first organization to assist the affected population from different natural disasters.

The founding assembly of Macedonian Red Cross was held on March 17, 1945. The national society gained independence in 1992 after Macedonia gained independence from Yugoslavia. In 1993 the Government of the Republic of Macedonia ratified the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949 and the Additional protocols of 1977 on July 26, 1994. The Assembly passed Macedonian Red Cross law in the same year. By fulfilling all conditions for membership in the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, Macedonian Red Cross was officially recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross and became 169th full-fledged member of the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies in 1995. The long road of development of Macedonian Red Cross went through numerous decisions, strategies, policies and regular implementation of different programme and project activities. Macedonian Red Cross has excellent cooperation with the corporate sector and donors which support our programme activities targeted for different vulnerable groups that we support. The operation of the national society is coordinated with other stakeholders in the interest of our beneficiaries. We actively promote the fundamental principles and human values of the Movement as well as the International Humanitarian Law. We also focus our activities on raising public awareness on our humanitarian mission and the needs of the vulnerable target groups. We advocate for humanitarian diplomacy for establishing efficient partnerships and mutual confidence and for harmonization of the national legislation with the international humanitarian law. The biggest award for the Red Cross is the gratitude of the thousands of people who receive the assistance of the Red Cross. We mark our 70th anniversary with strong commitment for future development and dedicated work in the interest of the most vulnerable population.