NOTA BSMM SMKDSA PERJUMPAAN 2 The creation of the Red Cross was spurred by the publication of Un Souvenir de Solfrino

o (1862), an account by Jean Henri Dunant of the suffering endured by the wounded at the battle of Solferino in 1859. Dunant, a Swiss citizen, urged the formation of voluntary aid societies for relief of such war victims. He also asked that service to military sick and wounded be neutral.

The Socit genovoise d'Utilit publique, a Swiss welfare agency, actively seconded Dunant's suggestion, the result being the formation (1863) of the organization that became known as the Red Cross. The next year, delegates from 16 nations met in Switzerland, and the Geneva Convention of 1864 for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick of Armies in the Field was adopted and signed by 12 of the nations represented. It provided for the neutrality of the medical personnel of armed forces, the humane treatment of the wounded, the neutrality of civilians who voluntarily assisted them, and the use of an international emblem to mark medical personnel and supplies. In honor of Dunant's nationality, a red cross on a white backgroundthe Swiss flag with colors reversedwas chosen as this symbol. The International Committee of the Red Cross was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1917, 1944, and, with the League of Red Cross Societies, in 1963.

The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) (Malay: Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia) is a voluntary humanitarian organisation that seeks to promote humanitarian values, as well as provide service and public education in disaster management, and health and care in the community. It is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Organised in 15 branches and 94 chapters nationwide, the MRC is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. The MRC also has a very active presence among youths and young adults through a well organised network of youth and adult volunteer units in schools and institutions of higher learning.

With the formation of the larger federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, the Malaysian Red Cross Society (Incorporation) Act 1965 to incorporate the Federation of Malaya Red Cross Society and the branches of the Red Cross Society in Sabah and Sarawak under the name of the Malaysian Red Cross Society was passed by Parliament and gazetted on July 1, 1965. On September 5, 1975, the Malaysian Red Cross Society was renamed the Malaysian Red Crescent Society by the passing of the Malaysian Red Cross Society (Change of Name) Act 1975 by Parliament.

The aim of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society is to provide services, comfort and help where needed, first in our country Malaysia and secondly, manpower and finances permitting, to neighbouring countries. All volunteers and staff must abide by the seven fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement:

Humanity - It seeks to prevent and alleviate suffering wherever it may be found, to protect life and health and ensure respect for the human being. It promotes understanding, cooperation and peace among people. Impartiality - It makes no distinction of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. Neutrality - To safeguard its position of trust, it does not take aides in hostilities or join in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. Independence - Although an auxiliary to the public authorities it maintains complete autonomy in all its action. Voluntary Service - It is a voluntary organisation not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. Unity - There is only one Red Cross/Red Crescent Society in any country. It is open to all and extends its action in the entire country. Universality - The Red Cross/Red Crescent is a world-wide institution. National Societies have equal status and equal responsibilities.

In time of peace or war, to carry on and assist in work for the improvement of health, the prevention of disease and the mitigation of suffering throughout the world;

In time of war, to furnish voluntary aid to the sick and wounded both of armies and non-belligerents, to prisoners of war and to civilian sufferers from the effects of war, in accordance with the spirit and covenants of the Geneva Conventions for the amelioration of the conditions of the wounded and sick in armed forces in the field, signed at Geneva on 12 August 1949.

Name: __________________________________________________________ Class : _____

Quiz 1 History of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement Who founded the Red Cross movement? _____________________________________________________________________

Why was the cross was chosen as a symbol for this movement? _____________________________________________________________________

When was the Red Crescent established in Malaysia? _____________________________________________________________________

Fill in the names for the posts below: Patron for the Malaysia Red Crescent (MRC) __________________________________________________________________ Secretary General for the MRC __________________________________________________________________ Patron for the MRC Kedah __________________________________________________________________ Secretary for MRC Kedah __________________________________________________________________

List out all the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement: _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________
THE QUESTIONS END