WHO WE ARE

The Liberia National Red Cross Society is the single largest national humanitarian organization in Liberia. It is a Voluntary Humanitarian Organization and an auxiliary to the public authorities and the Government, delivering services to the most vulnerable in emergency, including disasters, conflict, civil strife, ill-health and contextual social issues. The Liberian Red Cross is represented in each of the fifteen counties by a chapter and in the districts by a branch, from which we are able to reach regional and remote communities.

Established in 1919 and reaffirmed in 2008 by the National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, the Liberian Red Cross has and continues to provide vital humanitarian services to vulnerable people and communities in Liberia.

The birth of the Liberian Red Cross was influenced by global historical developments back in 1919 January at the end of World War I. The late President of Liberia, Daniel E. Howard, moved with compassion by the degree of suffering occasioned the war and constituted a Voluntary Relief Committee as an auxiliary to the Government to raise funds and assist the war victims.

In 1922, the National Legislature of Liberia passed a joint resolution to give the committee a legal status. The Legislature in its resolution reconstituted the voluntary relief committee into what is known today as the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS). LNRCS was also admitted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a member of the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies in 1959. And later in August 2008, the Liberian Red Cross became recognized by an Act of law passed by the National Legislature. 

The Liberian Red Cross has worked with communities, assisting during conflict, supporting Liberians as we transitioned to peace and more recently working to end the deadly Ebola outbreak. Our key strength lies in our unique ability to scale-up humanitarian and development assistance, and collaborate with all partners, by mobilizing our thousands of trained volunteers around the country.

Our volunteers are from the very communities they serve. We therefore have a true insight and foundation of trust across the country. Whether it is the threat of Ebola, responding to fire and other disasters, supporting livelihoods, or equipping our young people with the necessary skills to thrive, the Liberian Red Cross is steadfast in its commitment to long term humanitarian relief.

The Liberian Red Cross as first responder in times of emergency provides immediate relief and health services to mitigate the suffering of the vulnerable population.  We are part of the solution in Liberia. With neutrality and impartiality, we offer hope and support. We act as a force for positive change in communities. We work to empower vulnerable people, reduce human suffering, and promote peace and building resilient communities everywhere for everyone. We are present in the 94 districts of the 15 counties with a strong volunteer’s network delivering quality services.