Can multiple National Red Cross and Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies serve a single nation?

Multiple National Red Cross and Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies cannot serve a single nation. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) recognizes only one National Society for each country, which is established based on the recognition of the respective government and compliant with the principles of the Movement. This structure is in place to ensure a unified response to humanitarian needs and to avoid fragmentation of efforts, which could dilute effectiveness and create confusion among beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Establishing more than one National Society within the same country could lead to competition rather than collaboration, undermining the overarching mission of humanitarian assistance, which is to provide efficient and coordinated responses to crises. Thus, the framework is designed to support a single, autonomous entity per nation that embodies the principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence, ensuring a cohesive strategy for humanitarian action.