Sierra Leone Red Cross

Who we are

We are part of the world’s largest humanitarian network and we are guided by seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

We are a worldwide movement

The Sierra Leone Red Cross Society (SLRCS) traces its beginnings to an influenza pandemic (also called the ‘Spanish Lady’) that gripped the world in 1918. Sierra Leone was badly affected by this plague, which killed hundreds of Sierra Leoneans.

SIERRA LEONE RED CROSS

Learn first aid

Learn simple first aid skills

Be confident to help someone in an emergency. Each skill is broken down into clear instructions that you can understand and learn for yourself. Never Forget that not knowing First Aid is a huge barrier to saving lives. It doesn't matter if it's a loved one or total stranger, not knowing First Aid could make you powerless to render help. And you do not have to be in that position! Someday, you may be the only person in the scene of an accident; What would you do? Please Don't wait for that Moment! You can do something about it today! The time is now to get trained in First Aid by the only worldwide recognized First Aid service provider in Sierra Leone

Training

Fundamental Principles

Humanity

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever 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, co-operation, and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality

It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

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, religious, or ideological nature.

Independence

The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary Service

It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity

There can only be one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

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 world-wide.

Mandate

Sierra Leone regained its independence from Britain in 1961. The following year the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society was formally established by an act of parliament, which was revised in 2012. The Act came into force in July of that year. The purposes of SLRCS, as indicated in the Act were:

In time of war, to furnish volunteer aid to the sick and wounded both in the armies and among non-belligerents, and to prisoners of war and civilian sufferers from the effect of war, in accordance with the spirit and conditions of the conventions;
To perform all the duties devolved upon it by the Government;
In time of peace or war, to carry out and assist in work for the improvement of health, the prevention of disease and the mitigation of suffering throughout the world;
To succeed to and take over all the rights and property heretofore or now held and enjoyed by and all duties theretofore performed by the former Branch.

Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has a distinct Emblem, the use of which is protected by international and Domestic Laws. Accordingly, impersonation and misuse of the Red Cross emblem were therefore considered serious offences under the SLRCS Act. Section 7 explicitly stated that:

The Society shall have the right to use the heraldic emblem of the red cross on white background in conformity with the conventions and Additional Protocols.

Subject to subsection (1) a person who uses the heraldic emblem of the Society commits and offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of fifty million Leones or to a term of imprisonment not less than 15 years and not exceeding 25 years.

Multiple Event & Program

In recent years, millions of people continue to benefit from projects like; BRIDGE, CP3, IRP, Tree Planting, ICRC. They’re capacitated with income generating skills, village saving loan schemes, knowledge on sexual and gender-based violence, first aid, WASH facilities, disaster reduction and preparedness skills.