Humanitarian Values

At the core of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) are the Seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

These principles guide our mission to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity across Sri Lanka, ensuring that life-saving aid is delivered solely based on need, without discrimination.

Our Work in Sri Lanka

In a world facing complex crises and escalating social tensions, promoting humanitarian values is essential for building resilient, peaceful communities. Embedded within local contexts, our initiatives focus on changing mindsets, reducing violence, and fostering mutual respect.

Our diverse network of volunteers – representing all ages, faiths, and cultural backgrounds—is deeply integrated within local communities. This unique presence allows the SLRCS to respect Sri Lanka’s rich cultural diversity while delivering humanitarian services to even the most remote areas.

What Does Promoting Humanitarian Values Involve?

Promoting the Fundamental Principles

We actively educate communities, public institutions, and civil society on the Seven Fundamental Principles. By fostering an understanding of these concepts, we aim to transform social interactions and promote unity amidst diversity.

Violence Prevention and Community Cohesion

The SLRCS collaborates directly with vulnerable groups to prevent, mitigate, and respond to interpersonal and community-level violence. Through community-led advocacy and collective problem-solving, we work to cultivate environments rooted in inclusivity, cooperation, and non-discrimination.

Institutionalizing Values Across Our Network

Our dedication to humanitarian values is reflected throughout our organizational structure. The SLRCS National Headquarters maintains a dedicated department focused entirely on the promotion of these values. Furthermore, branch volunteers nationwide receive specialized training to disseminate and uphold these principles in local languages, ensuring impactful, community-based outreach.

Impact on Local Communities

Principles-Based Action: Ensuring all humanitarian response operations—whether addressing natural disasters or man-made crises adhere strictly to neutrality and impartiality.

Behavioral Change: Utilizing education and targeted awareness campaigns to shift behaviors toward mutual understanding and peace.

Inclusive Volunteering: Empowering local youth and community members to act as ambassadors of peace and humanitarian values within their own neighborhoods.