Activities

The activities of the C.R.C. are basically dictated by its raison d’ etre, which is none other than the endeavour to alleviate human suffering throughout the world, both in time of peace and war.

Beyond the traditional and fixed humanitarian activities with which the C.R.C. has been identified, such as looking after the poor, caring for the sick, blood donations, First Aid provision etc, its humanitarian contribution and action is also dictated by the arising needs. Natural disasters, accidents, epidemics, conflicts, wars and other unpredictable causes of human suffering, unhappiness, destruction and death put its readiness and efficiency to the test. The international character of the Red Cross, which is also one of its basic principles, and also the fact that as a result of globalization and the development of communications we live in an interdependent world, have brought about an increase and broadening of these needs and consequently in the fields covered by the activities of the C.R.C.

Indicated below are some of the activities undertaken by the C.R.C. in Cyprus in time of peace and in time of war:

a)  The main activities of the C.R.C. in time of peace are:

• Treatment, care and support for disabled children
• Blood donation
• First Aid lessons
• Providing wheel-chairs and other aid mediums for disabled persons
• Material and moral support to the needy
• Providing company to the aged and other solitary persons
• Transportation of foodstuffs, medicine and allowances to the enclaved
• Providing assistance to foreign workers, refugees and asylum seekers
• Providing medicine to patients and the aged 
  • Awareness and information campaigns for social and other problems (aids, drugs, road accidents, bird flu etc)
    • Road Safety Campaign 27/4/2007 (CD for schools, Posters, Leaflet for drivers etc.)
    • Annual C.R.C. report for 2005 (in English)
    • Leaflet for bird flu (in Greek, English and Turkish)
• Activities for the awareness and information of society on the Red Cross mandate.
• Fund raising events and campaigns (concerts, door-to-door money collection etc)
• Preparing, standing by and organizing to meet emergency situations.
• Registration, training and organization of members and volunteers.
• Cooperating with the Government and volunteer organizations  in Cyprus and abroad.
• Disseminating the principles of the Red Cross.
• Cooperating with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Associations.

b) The main activities of the C.R.C. in time of war are the following:

• Initial medical care to the wounded
• Release and security of prisoners
• The tracing of missing persons
• Reuniting families with their relatives and helping them communicate
• Medical care and relief of refugees
• Providing for the basic needs of displaced and enclaved persons and communicating with them
• Psychological support to any victims of rape and to any other people in need