International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Our secretariat supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 191 countries, bringing together more than 16 million volunteers for the good of humanity.

The IFRC acts before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

We are an international membership organization that unites 191 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and supports them through a global secretariat. 

We are present in virtually every community on earth. We reach 160 million people every year through long-term services, development programmes and disaster response. And we work to improve global humanitarian standards and persuade leaders to act in the interests of vulnerable people.

Our strength lies in our volunteer network, our unparalleled community-based expertise and our independence and neutrality.

We are committed to saving lives and changing minds. And we are guided by Strategy 2030—our collective plan of action to tackle the major humanitarian and development challenges of this decade.

Through our work we enable healthy and safe communities, reduce vulnerabilities, improve people’s resilience and promote peace around the world.

Learn about our current priorities in our Global Plan and browse plans for our work by country.

The IFRC integrates disability inclusion across its humanitarian work, ensuring people with disabilities have equal access to protection and assistance.

Through its Protection, Gender, and Inclusion ("PGI") approach, IFRC supports National Societies in making disaster response, health, and community programs more accessible. Key actions include inclusive disaster preparedness—ensuring shelters and evacuation plans accommodate disabilities; health services—providing assistive devices, rehabilitation, and medical care; livelihood programs—creating employment opportunities and vocational training; education support—improving school access and resources for children with disabilities; and mental health and psychosocial support—helping people with disabilities cope with crisis situations.

The Minimum Standards for PGI in emergencies incorporates key standards on disability inclusion for all sectors of humanitarian response. The accompanying PGI in Emergencies Toolkit provides more detailed guidance on how to integrate disability inclusion measures in all operations.

IFRC also promotes advocacy and policy change, working with National Societies to reduce barriers and embed disability inclusion into all aspects of humanitarian response.