NATIONAL SOCIETY PROFILE
With over 80 years of experience in crisis and emergency management, the Haiti Red Cross Society is well recognized and accepted by the country’s population. Its neutrality facilitates the impartial provision of services to prevent and alleviate human suffering in a complex context, where outbreaks of violence and socio-political instability aggravate the protection needs of the people affected.
The Haitian Red Cross was recognized as being of public utility by the Presidential Decree of 20 July 1932. The National Society has an auxiliary role to the public authorities to contribute to the improvement of health, the prevention of disease and accidents, and the alleviation of suffering by means of training and mutual aid programmes in the service of the community, adapted to national and local needs and conditions; to support effective risk reduction actions (preparedness, response and recovery) and emergency relief services for the victims of disasters of any kind. The Haiti Red Cross also collaborates with the public authorities for the protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants and displaced people, and in the promotion of International Humanitarian Law.
The National Society’s 17 regional and 127 local committees have strong connections with local communities, and even the most remote and underserved populations are reached. Its ambulance service is one of the only independent and neutral ambulance service providers in the country. The Haiti Red Cross has a large volunteer network, and volunteers often originate from the communities they serve, which fosters trust. The National Society plays a key role in improving the coordination between health and civil protection authorities and communities. It guarantees coverage and safe access, and creates demand for health and protection services and relief assistance.
In its auxiliary role, the National Society has a good reputation and fosters links between emergency response and long-term development programmes. It has experience in supporting health and civil protection systems – at a national and local level – and adds value to the provision of locally-owned services through community mobilization. The National Society also fosters coordination between humanitarian and development stakeholders, and promotes sustainable activities.
The Haiti Red Cross Society’s three strategic pillars are set out in its Strategy 2016–2020:
Be prepared to act better: The National Society will mobilize communities to become more resilient, and build capacities to prepare for and respond effectively to disasters and crises. It will support risk reduction preparedness, response and recovery, while strengthening its role and competencies as an auxiliary to the public authorities.
Mitigate the risks: The National Society will support communities to identify the warning signs of emergencies, and anticipate and mitigate the impact of emergency situations. This includes health-related issues and adaptation to climate change.
Act for more social inclusion: The National Society will promote the social inclusion of the most disadvantaged groups, as it builds community resilience and meets the protection and humanitarian needs of migrants.