The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) is a humanitarian organization that provides assistance to vulnerable people in Afghanistan, particularly during times of conflict or natural disaster. It offers a wide range of services, including health services, disaster relief, and community development projects like food distribution, shelter provision, and livelihood programs. ARCS operates with volunteers and staff to uphold the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, focusing on impartiality, independence, and humanitarian aid.
Core mission and principles
Mission: To help maintain survival, health, and human dignity, especially during emergencies and armed conflicts.
Principles: Operates according to the seven fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
Auxiliary role: Works alongside the government to alleviate human suffering.
Key activities and services
Health: Provides health services, runs hospitals (including a 70-bed hospital in Kabul), and offers specialized treatment for conditions like congenital heart disease, often with international support. It also runs mental health treatment centers and promotes HIV/AIDS prevention.
Emergency and disaster relief: Assists victims of natural disasters and other emergencies through the distribution of food, shelter, and non-food items.
Community development: Implements programs that focus on community development, food security, and education in remote areas.
Livelihoods: Provides vocational training, such as tailoring and carpet weaving, and offers cash and other forms of support to vulnerable individuals, particularly women.
Education and awareness: Promotes humanitarian values and runs training centers for youth, offering religious and modern education.
Disaster Management: Provides support for families of missing persons, prisoners, and internally displaced people.
History
Foundation: The organization was founded in 1929, initially as a National Relief Assembly, to assist vulnerable people affected by disasters.