Lending a Helping Hand: The Global Red Cross and Red Crescent
In an emergency, people may need medical care, shelter, water, or other forms of support. The red cross and red crescent emblems are associated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and have a specific role in international humanitarian law. Seeing an emblem does not guarantee that aid is arriving; it identifies protected people or objects in some contexts, or a movement organization, depending on how it is used.
Every year on May 8, communities celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. This date honors the birthday of Henry Dunant, a Swiss man who helped start the global movement in the 1800s after witnessing the suffering of wounded soldiers on a battlefield. He believed that wounded people should receive medical attention no matter which side they fought for. Later, on May 21, 1881, a brave nurse named Clara Barton helped establish the American Red Cross in the United States, expanding this mission of organized community relief.
Today, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is divided into three separate parts, each with its own special role. Understanding who does what helps show how help travels from local neighborhoods all the way to distant regions.
- emblems:
- Symbols or signs used to identify a specific group, organization, or protected status.
- humanitarian:
- Involving the promotion of human welfare and helping people who are suffering.
- civilians:
- People who are not members of the armed forces or military.
- coordinates:
- Organizes different people or groups so they can work together smoothly.
- conflict:
- A serious disagreement, battle, or war between opposing groups.
- relief:
- Assistance, such as food, shelter, or medical care, given to people in need during an emergency.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What do the red cross and red crescent emblems indicate according to the passage?
- 2Why is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebrated specifically on May 8?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“Lending a Helping Hand: The Global Red Cross and Red Crescent” is a explanatory article reading passage about Humanitarian Aid and the Red Cross Movement, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (438 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.