IFRC is an international non-governmental organization established in 1919 and based in Geneva.
It brings together and federates 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which are universally recognized and widespread all over the globe, and therefore the IFRC is considered the largest humanitarian network in the world.
IFRC stands on the frontline of disasters and health emergencies to alleviate needs and improve the life of vulnerable persons, mainly through humanitarian activities promoted by the National Societies. IFRC mainly engages in climate change and prevention issues, investing on the capacity-building of the National Societies. This highlights the difference between the IFRC and the ICRC, which, on the other hand is predominantly oriented towards the protection of the victims of armed conflicts.
Being a federation of widespread National Societies is the main asset of the IFRC. IFRC Secretariat, based in Geneva, in case of emergencies coordinates the work of the National Societies and provides for their mobilization, also financially. As a result, if natural disaster occurs, the Italian Cooperation tends to manage financial contribution through the Bilateral Emergency Fund under IFRC, that, subsequently, allocates resources to the National Societies involved and coordinates the humanitarian action in the emergency phase.
Currently, the President of IFCR is Kate Forbes, elected on 11th December 2023, being the second woman to hold this position in the history of the Federation. With over four decades of experience in the Red Cross and Red Crescent network, she started her career as a Volunteer in the Phoenix local branch of American Red Cross in 1981. She then held key roles in the National Society, among which Vice-president of Administrative Council and National President for volunteers, managing over one million volunteers. From February 2020, Jagan Chapagain is the IFRC’s Secretary General. He started his humanitarian career as a volunteer of the Nepalese Red Cross and carries over 25 years of experience in the Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent where he was appointed as Under-Secretary General for Programs and Operations and as Regional Director for Asia Pacific.
Together with the ICRC and IFRC, with the 191 National Societies, the IFRC is part of the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and provides humanitarian assistance on a global scale.
Website: www.ifrc.org