IFRC is an international non governmental organization established in 1919 and based in Geneva.
It brings together and federates 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which are universally recognized and widespread all over the globe, and therefore the IFRC is considered the most comprehensive humanitarian network in the world.
The mandate includes the promotion of humanitarian actions carried out by National Societies to protect vulnerable groups, as well as the coordination of rescue in case of natural disasters. It also deals with climate change and provides actions in order to prevent calamities, furthering capacity-building for National Societies. This shows 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. In addition, IFRC Secretariat 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.
Jagan Chapagain (Nepal) assumed his functions as Secretary General on February 1, 2020.
On 19th June 2022, the President of the Italian Red Cross, Francesco Rocca, has been reelected as President of IFRC for a second consecutive mandate, and he will hold this position until summer 2026.
website: www.ifrc.org