Our Story

The Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) is an independent, voluntary, humanitarian organization, established on the basis of the Maldivian Red Crescent Law [Law 7/2009]. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recognized MRC as a full-fledged member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on 9 November 2011. Subsequently, MRC became the 187th member of the IFRC on 23 November 2011.

14 years of continued humanitarian service

Over the last 14 years MRC has been at the forefront of humanitarian work in the Maldives. MRC has established itself as the largest humanitarian organization in the Maldives. As an organization that has been there for the people when they need it the most, MRC has been able to gain trust and sustain partnerships with key relevant public authorities and agencies through MRCs auxiliary role. MRC has been able to create positive impact and continues to build and maintain trust within communities so that MRC continues to provide humanitarian services impartially, neutrally, and independently.

MRC has carried out successful programmes, interventions, and campaigns in the areas of Emergency Response, Disaster Preparedness, Epidemic preparedness and response, First Aid, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Patient Transport Services, Social care and Inclusion, Promoting Healthy living, and Youth empowerment.

Members and volunteers that make up MRC’s Units are part of community-based teams that have capacities in various areas ranging from emergency response, first aid, psychosocial support, violence prevention, and epidemic control. MRC has continued to work on enhancing existing skills, adding to knowledge that is already there and helping to build and strengthen the necessary networks in island level so that institutions across sectors can come together and work better. This is also in alignment with the efforts towards effective decentralization of operations and developing the autonomy of the branches and units. Each island has its own unique vulnerabilities and challenges, and it is those who live there who understand it best.

The MRC, through its work to better prepare communities for emergencies and disasters, and during response and recovery, prioritizes the inclusion of the needs of such populations and those affected in its humanitarian work. Whether it is through better risk communications and community engagement to enhance access to life-saving information, through the inclusion and participation of migrants as volunteers in the work that is done, by bridging capacities, and through lobbying and advocating with the relevant authorities, the MRC remains and will continue to remain steadfast in humanitarian work, to ensure that nobody is left behind. The protection of human rights in peacetime is important to safeguard the same during crises.