Disaster Services
The Red Cross name is internationally recognized for humanitarian services in times of conflict from war and civil unrest and natural disasters, be it earthquake, flood or famine. The American Red Cross is part of the international network of Red Cross Societies that assist to provide care to those in need.
In addition to the relief services given to victims of disasters, the Red Cross is a world leader in Tracing Services. The Red Cross Tracing Services assists families separated by war, holocaust, civil conflict and disaster to be reunited.
All Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies operate under the Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.
Social Services
In time of war, conflict or disaster the American Red Cross working through the vast network of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies can assist in locating missing love ones separated by war or disaster, bridge communication gaps and reunite families.
International Disaster Relief Inquiries
When earthquakes, severe storms and other natural disasters strike, normal lines of communication may be disrupted. Families in the U.S. who are anxious about the welfare of relatives in the disaster stricken area may contact the Red Cross. When the national society in the country where the disaster occurred is able to accept inquiries, information about the relatives will be channeled back through the local Red Cross chapter.
Tracing Inquiries
Working with the other national societies Red Cross traces family members is the midst of war and civil unrest. The search beings when you contact the local Red Cross chapter. The Red Cross tracing effort accesses the extensive resources of the International Red Cross Movement, including the Holocaust and War Victims Tracing and Information Center, the International Tracing Services, Red Cross and Red Crescent national Societies worldwide and the Magen David Adom in Israel. Because of the complexity of the search and the enormous volume of request received the efforts may take one or more years. In about half of all cases some information is found, such as documentary confirmation of death or deportation. Almost miraculously, several hundred tracing requests have led to reunions with family members located after half a century of separation.
Verification of Internment
Your local Red Cross chapter can often assist in securing the documentation of forced labor or internment in a concentration camp, which is required, when survivors submit claims for reparations or pensions from the German government.
Exchanging Family Messages
When regular channels of communication are severed during war or conflicts around the world your Red Cross provides a means for separated family members to exchange messages. Red Cross Messages (RCM) may originate with someone in the community-often a recent immigrant or refugee-requesting assistance. A chapter may deliver messages from almost anywhere in the world. Thanks to this global network, civilians, prisoners of war, detainees and their loved ones are able to make contact.
Securing ICRC Travel Documents
Should refugees or people who are displaced or stateless lack the necessary documents to resettle permanently in a country where they are welcome, the American Red Cross works with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to handle request for the appropriate travel documents.
