Iraqi Red Crescent Society

Iraqi Red Crescent Society
Name	Iraqi Red Crescent Society
Native name	الهلال الأحمر العراقي
Caption	Logo of the national society
Formation	1932
Type	National Red Crescent Society
Headquarters	Baghdad, Iraq
Region served	Iraq
Languages	Arabic, Kurdish, English
Leader title	President
Affiliations	International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Iraqi Red Crescent Society is the national humanitarian organization operating in Iraq, founded in 1932 to provide relief during crises and disasters. It has functioned during major events such as the Anglo-Iraqi War, the Iran–Iraq War, the Gulf War, the Iraq War (2003–2011), and the Iraqi insurgency (2011–2017), engaging with regional actors like the Kurdistan Regional Government and international organizations including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The society works alongside actors such as United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières in humanitarian operations.

History

The society was established in 1932 during the era of the Kingdom of Iraq and expanded services through the Monarchy of Iraq and the Republic of Iraq periods. It provided relief during the Iraqi–Kurdish conflict and supported populations affected by the Anfal campaign and later the 1991 Iraqi uprisings. During the Gulf War and subsequent sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council, the society coordinated with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Food Programme to deliver aid. Following the 2003 Invasion of Iraq by the United States and coalition forces including the United Kingdom and Australia, the society faced new operational constraints and collaborated with agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme and the International Organization for Migration. In the 2010s, during the rise of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the society responded to mass displacement from provinces like Nineveh Governorate, Anbar Governorate, and Mosul. Post-ISIL stabilization efforts saw coordination with the European Union civil protection mechanisms and the Arab League humanitarian initiatives.

Organization and Structure

The society is headquartered in Baghdad and comprises governorate branches in provinces such as Basra Governorate, Dhi Qar Governorate, Kirkuk Governorate, and Sulaymaniyah Governorate. Governance structures reflect statutes aligned with the Geneva Conventions and the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, with a presidential council, board of directors, and regional secretariats. It recruits volunteers and staff from diverse communities including Sunni Arabs, Shia Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, and Assyrians. Training partnerships involve institutions like the Iraqi Ministry of Health, Baghdad University, University of Basra, and international partners such as the Norwegian Red Cross and British Red Cross. Administrative liaison occurs with ministries including the Ministry of Interior (Iraq) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iraq) for coordination during emergencies.

Services and Activities

The society provides emergency medical services, blood transfusion support, first aid training, and disaster response in coordination with Iraq National Blood Transfusion Center, Iraqi Red Crescent ambulance services, and local hospitals like Baghdad Medical City and Basra General Hospital. It runs water, sanitation, and hygiene programs in displaced persons camps such as those in Al-Hasakah Governorate and near Erbil, and supports shelter, relief distribution, and family reunification facilitated with the International Organization for Migration and UNHCR. Community health outreach includes vaccination campaigns conducted with World Health Organization guidance and psychosocial support in partnership with International Committee of the Red Cross delegates. The society also engages in mine risk education responding to contamination from conflicts involving Iraq War (2003–2011), Iran–Iraq War, and clashes with Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Educational programs collaborate with UNICEF and civil society organizations such as Iraqi Red Crescent Society youth volunteers units and local NGOs.

International Relations and Membership

The society is a recognized member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and adheres to the Fundamental Principles endorsed by the International Committee of the Red Cross. It has bilateral cooperation with national societies including the Turkish Red Crescent, Iranian Red Crescent Society, Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, Qatar Red Crescent Society, Kuwait Red Crescent Society, Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Lebanese Red Cross, Egyptian Red Crescent, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Emirates Red Crescent, German Red Cross, French Red Cross, Red Cross Society of China, Japanese Red Cross Society, American Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross, and British Red Cross. Engagement with multilateral actors includes coordination with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, and donor forums such as the Iraq Reconstruction Platform and Humanitarian Country Team in Iraq.

Funding and Resources

Funding sources include domestic donations, in-kind contributions from diaspora communities in countries like United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and Sweden, as well as grants from international donors such as the European Union, United States Agency for International Development, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, World Bank, and bilateral aid from states including Japan and Norway. The society manages logistics through warehouses in Basra, Erbil, and Baghdad and coordinates transport with partners like Iraqi Airways and private logistics firms. Resource challenges affect procurement of medical supplies from manufacturers in Germany, India, Turkey, and China during sanctions or conflict periods.

Challenges and Controversies

The society has faced operational impediments from security issues during interventions by actors such as Coalition Provisional Authority forces, militias including Mahdi Army, and insurgent groups like al-Qaeda in Iraq and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Accusations of politicization and neutrality breaches have arisen amid sectarian tensions involving factions tied to figures like Muqtada al-Sadr and regional influences from Iran and Turkey. Access constraints in contested areas such as Mosul and Fallujah led to criticism from humanitarian monitors including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Financial transparency and governance concerns prompted scrutiny from donors including the European Commission and independent auditors, while allegations of diversion of aid in some localities triggered investigations by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies coordination mechanisms. Security incidents against staff prompted appeals to the United Nations Security Council and calls for enhanced protection by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Category:Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies Category:Humanitarian aid organizations in Iraq