World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

8 May: Celebrating humanitarian values

8 May, the anniversary of Henry Dunant’s birth, marks World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. On this occasion, and throughout the weekend, humanitarian principles are celebrated, along with the commitment of millions of volunteers and humanitarian workers around the world.

All members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are offering a varied programme to mark this special day, open to everyone at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.

With guided tours, family activities, school events and a conference, this day, designed for all ages, brings us together around the Movement’s fundamental principles.

The Programme

Friday 8 maY

This day at the Museum is all about solidarity.
Get your entrance ticket at a reduced price of CHF 10.- instead of CHF 15.-. And for every ticket purchased, a “on tab” ticket is generated, which will then be donated to the Geneva Red Cross or a local partner organisation, who will offer it to their beneficiaries. This initiative enables people in vulnerable situations to access culture and discover Geneva’s humanitarian heritage.

Saturday 9 maY

Saturday is Open Day. For the occasion, admission to the Museum is free from 10am to 5pm. Come and explore the permanent exhibition, the challenges and history of humanitarian action, and the links between textiles, memory and humanitarian aid in the temporary exhibition.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Storytelling for children

Les Conteuses de Genève will transport the little ones to colourful worlds through stories inspired by mutual support and solidarity.

The event is free of charge, but registration is required.

10:30 AM - 12 PM: The Humanitarian Trail

Follow the tour across the Humanitarian Trail and rediscover the strong link between Geneva and the humanitarian movement, where the Red Cross began.

The International Quarter tour takes you from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). You will also discover how the Geneva countryside has changed over time under the influence of Geneva’s international vocation.

The tour is free of charge, but registration is required.

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Panel discussion on the theme ‘The Cross versus the Red Star: humanitarianism and communism in the 20th century’

This round table explores the links between the historiographies of communism and humanitarian action. Both relying on vast international networks of solidarity, they originally shared a common goal of combating war and poverty. However, revolutionary struggles gave rise to new types of armed conflict, new types of actors and victims, which challenged the assumptions upon which the International Red Cross Movement had been built.

Moderated by Valérie Gorin, this round table will feature Marie Cugnet (historian at the University of Fribourg), Marie-Luce Desgrandchamps (historian at the University of Geneva), Jean-François Fayet (historian at the University of Fribourg), and Grant Mitchell (archivist at the IFRC).

Free event, no registration required.

Sunday 10 maY

For this Solidarity Sunday, admission to the Museum is available at a reduced rate of 10 CHF. And for every ticket purchased, a ‘on tab’ ticket is generated and donated to the Geneva Red Cross or other partner organisations to enable people in vulnerable situations to visit the Museum.

10:30 AM - 12 PM: Talk on rescue operations involving animals

Find out about REDOG, the organisation that helps rescue missing and buried people with rescue teams. These rescue teams are unique in that they work with dogs trained for rescue operations. Come and learn more about the work of these rescuers and their dogs, and the link to humanitarian action.

The talk is free, but registration is required.

11 AM - 14 PM : Brunch at Café HINIVUU

Did you know that the name HINIVUU embodies the spirit of the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Humanity, Independence, Neutrality, Impartiality, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality?
Enjoy a friendly and delicious break at the café and share one of our unmissable brunches with friends or family.

No booking required. Payment on site.