Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality
Learn about our historyThe Costa Rican Red Cross is a private, nonprofit humanitarian first-response organization affiliated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Their work focuses on assisting people affected by emergencies, accidents, crises, and disasters, helping to alleviate human suffering in the country.
The Costa Rican Red Cross was established by Executive Decree No. 24 of April 4, 1885. Since then, the Costa Rican government has reaffirmed its role as an auxiliary to public authorities and as a first-response organization in emergencies.
Since 1952, it has operated under the Associations Act of the Republic of Costa Rica, acting in accordance with the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence, within the framework of its humanitarian mandate.
To save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering in all circumstances through humanitarian and volunteer work that contributes to a resilient, inclusive, and prepared society.
A resilient and innovative humanitarian organization with a national and international reach, dedicated to providing efficient and effective assistance to all populations, sectors, and communities.
The Costa Rican Red Cross carries out its humanitarian work through four Humanitarian Assistance Programs, which form the strategic and operational foundation of its activities throughout the country. These programs enable the organization, coordination, and strengthening of institutional response, ensuring a comprehensive approach to emergencies and the care of populations in vulnerable situations.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born from the concern to provide assistance without discrimination to all wounded on the battlefield, strives, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering in all circumstances. It seeks to protect life and health, as well as to ensure respect for the human person. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace among all peoples.
It makes no distinction of nationality, race, religion, social condition, or political opinion. It is dedicated solely to assisting individuals in proportion to their suffering, addressing their needs, and giving priority to the most urgent cases.
In order to retain the confidence of all, the Movement abstains from taking part in hostilities and, at all times, in controversies of a political, racial, religious, or ideological nature.
The Movement is independent. While the National Societies are auxiliaries to the public authorities in their humanitarian activities and are subject to the laws governing their respective countries, they must nonetheless maintain autonomy that enables them to act at all times in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
It is a voluntary and selfless relief movement.
There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in each country, which must be accessible to all and extend its humanitarian work throughout the entire territory.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal rights and a duty to assist one another, is universal.
From the battlefields of Solferino to every corner of Costa Rica. More than a century of humanitarian service, driven by volunteers committed to human life and dignity.
Cruz Roja a través de los años
Dr. Karl Hoffman, as the army’s chief surgeon, organized care for the wounded and sick and their transfer to San Juan de Dios Hospital, demonstrating his humanitarian values.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world’s largest humanitarian network. It provides protection and assistance to people affected by disasters and armed conflicts, and empowers communities to become safer and more resilient.
In addition, it works with governments and organizations to support vulnerable people through humanitarian actions and development projects around the world.
The Movement’s constituent bodies meet regularly to coordinate actions and set humanitarian priorities.
International Conference: Held every four years, it is the Movement’s primary decision-making body, alongside the Member States.
General Assembly: Sets the policy of the International Federation.
Council of Delegates: Brings together all constituent bodies to agree on common actions and strategies.
The International Federation works toward strategic goals aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people:
Reducing deaths and damage caused by disasters.
Reducing disease and health emergencies.
Strengthening community capacity.
Promoting human dignity and reducing discrimination.
Our 2021–2030 Strategic Development Plan outlines the steps we will take to strengthen our response capacity and ensure a real impact on vulnerable communities.
Meet the people leading our humanitarian mission in Costa Rica.
The National Council is the governing body of the Association. It is responsible for establishing the Association’s policies, based on its Fundamental Principles and Objectives, and shall ensure strict compliance with these Bylaws, objectives, agreements, programs, projects, and regulations of the Association.
Every action we take is guided by our principles and our commitment to serving those who need it most, without exception
