On the side of humanitarianism. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2025

This year, we celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day under the slogan “On the side of humanity”, reminding us that the values that have guided our assistance for decades are more important now than ever.

The year 2025 is a special time – we are celebratingthe 60th anniversary of the adoption of the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, which form the foundation of our work – providing help regardless of the situation, context, or borders. At their core lies precisely humanitarianism. Without it, the other principles – impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality – would not have such significance.

The 7 principles are not empty slogans, but a commitment that volunteers and employees of the Red Cross and Red Crescent undertake every day around the world.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is also a day of remembrance for those who die each year while helping others – often far from home, in places where war, natural disasters, and hunger strip people of hope. Their courage deserves respect and recognition.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been around for 162 years. In Poland, the Polish Red Cross has been providing assistance continuously since 1919. In a world full of conflicts and divisions, we choose the path of empathy, help, and solidarity. On Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we standtogether – on the side of humanity.

All of Poland is joining the celebrations of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. Several events promoting the 7 principles of the Polish Red Cross and the ideas that inspire our organization are planned. In addition to the educational aspect, they will also have an integrative character.

[LUBLIN] “The Town of 7 Principles” at the Cultural Center in Lublin, along with a Common Zone with activities for children and adults. In addition, a training module aimed at people who work with excluded groups and informational activities are planned.

[BYDGOSZCZ] A city game that will lead to the Social Integration Center of the Polish Red Cross. In the finale, participants will take on the role of Polish Red Cross volunteers and will have the opportunity to carry out a rescue operation, provide first aid, or meet with rescue dogs.

[POZNAŃ] A festival at Freedom Square promoting the activities of the Polish Red Cross with numerous attractions for children and adults, as well as space for education and social integration, and a concert “Sounds of Kindness” on the Poznań Stage.

[OLSZTYN] At the Polish Consulate Square, a blood donation action will take place and educational-promotional stands of the Polish Red Cross will be set up. Demonstrations of first aid, exercises with mannequins, choking vests, and AEDs will also be planned, as well as coffee, tea, and something sweet.

[BIAŁYSTOK] A happening for children. Preschoolers in red T-shirts, with balloons, along with a squirrel mascot will set out for Kościuszko Square. A street survey will be conducted on-site.

[SKARŻYSKO KAMIENNA] A series of workshops aimed at children, youth, single mothers, seniors, and people with disabilities. The culmination of the activities will be a multicultural integration festival on May 10 by the Rejów Reservoir.

[OSTROWIEC ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKI] Educational workshops for adults dedicated to the history, mission, and contemporary activities of the Red Cross, and the next day a field game for children inspired by the figure of Henry Dunant – the founder of the Red Cross Movement.

[INNE MIASTA] Among others, in Busko-Zdrój, Jędrzejów, Końskie, Sandomierz, Jasło, Sokółka, Łomża, and Suwałki, there will be competitions for children, picnics, and integration meetings, discussions in schools, workshops, first aid trainings, and blood donation actions.