Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS)

Founded on July 8, 1935, by government edict following the second Italian invasion of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) is an independent national humanitarian organization that acts as an auxiliary to the government. Recognized on September 25, 1935, as the 48th member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), ERCS originally provided medical and humanitarian assistance to wounded soldiers and civilian victims.

Legally established through a National Charter adopted in October 1947 and reaffirmed by Parliament in January 2018, ERCS delivers relief, healthcare, and development programs across Ethiopia. Its first Secretary General was Dr. Thomas A. Lambie (serving from July 1935 to May 1936), a missionary physician who became an Ethiopian citizen and founded early healthcare institutions in the country.

Mission, Vision & Motto

• Mission: To prevent and alleviate human suffering through appropriate and timely humanitarian and development interventions, contribute to the wellbeing of humankind and prevalence of peace by mobilizing the public and partners in Ethiopia and around the world.
• Vision: To be the Partner of Choice and a Frontline Humanitarian Organization in Ethiopia.
• Motto: "We Live for Humanity!"

Operational Network & Reach

| Administrative Level | Network Size | | --- | --- | | Regional Offices | 14 regional offices | | Zonal Branches | 34 zonal branches | | Woreda (District) Branches | 132 district branches | | Kebele Committees | 5,800+ grassroots-level Red Cross committees | | Membership & Volunteers | 6.1 million registered members; 258,000+ registered volunteers (with 47,000 actively engaged in operations) |

Core Values

• Care: Attending directly to the plight of affected and vulnerable populations.
• Learning: Committing to continuous learning, adaptation, and operational innovation.
• Sensitive: Maintaining awareness and responsiveness to time, gender, disabilities, and environmental factors.
• Solidarity: Collaborating effectively with both Movement and external partners to serve humanity.
• Integrity: Aligning institutional actions strictly with public and humanitarian commitments.

Seven Fundamental Principles

Guided by the principles proclaimed at the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross in Vienna (1965):

• Humanity: Preventing and alleviating human suffering, protecting life and health, and ensuring respect for all individuals.
• Impartiality: Providing aid without discrimination based on nationality, race, religion, class, or political views, prioritizing the most urgent distress.
• Neutrality: Refraining from taking sides in hostilities or engaging in political, racial, religious, or ideological controversies.
• Independence: Maintaining institutional autonomy to act in accordance with humanitarian principles while serving as an auxiliary to public authorities.
• Voluntary Service: Providing relief on a voluntary basis without seeking financial or material gain.
• Unity: Maintaining only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society per country, open to all and active across the entire territory.
• Universality: Participating in a global movement where all national societies have equal status and shared responsibilities.