This prestigious recognition reflects the Vietnamese State’s high appreciation for the significant contributions of these organizations and their personnel within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in strengthening friendship and cooperation with Vietnam, as well as demonstrating valuable support and solidarity with the Vietnam Red Cross Society in humanitarian activities.
The IFRC and ICRC, together with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of individual countries, constitute the three principal components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The ICRC is a neutral, independent humanitarian organization, established in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland, operating in over 80 countries. Its mandate is to promote and monitor compliance with International Humanitarian Law and to protect and assist victims of armed conflicts.
The ICRC office in Hanoi was reopened in 2015, enhancing cooperation with a wide range of Vietnamese authorities, including the Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, and the Vietnam Red Cross Society.
Key areas of cooperation include: Promoting International Humanitarian Law; Training trainers and personnel; Supporting the restoration of family links; Coordinating military staff training; Providing orthopedic support and prosthetics for people with disabilities in need.
The ICRC has also supported the Vietnam Red Cross Society in implementing the Mine Risk Awareness Project in Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Quang Ngai provinces. On average, the ICRC provides approximately USD 200,000 annually for the Vietnam Red Cross Society’s humanitarian activities, not including direct funding for orthopedic and rehabilitation projects for persons with disabilities conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour – Invalids and Social Affairs during 2002–2024.
The IFRC was established in 1919. Since opening its representative office in Vietnam in 1991, the IFRC has actively supported Vietnam’s humanitarian efforts, particularly in disaster preparedness and response, primary health care, capacity building, organizational development, and voluntary blood donation mobilization.
From 1994 to the present, the IFRC’s direct assistance has exceeded USD 100 million. The IFRC has also played a coordinating role in supporting the activities of National Societies assisting Vietnam.
After closing its representative office in Vietnam in 2017 as part of a global restructuring plan, the IFRC has continued to maintain close collaboration with the Vietnam Red Cross Society through agreements and projects coordinated by its Bangkok Regional Office.
During the 2020–2025 period, the IFRC has funded numerous emergency relief projects, including: Supporting populations affected by COVID-19 and salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta; Responding to floods in Central Vietnam and storms and floods in Northern Vietnam; Providing safe water, sanitation, protection, and disaster risk reduction for vulnerable communities; Strengthening organizational capacity and development for the Vietnam Red Cross Society.