To assist victims of war and natural disasters.

The International Red Cross Society is a humanitarian organization that was established with the primary goal of providing assistance to those in need, particularly in times of conflict, disaster, and crisis. It works to alleviate suffering and provide vital support to victims of war, natural disasters, and health emergencies. The main activities of the Red Cross include:

1. Providing medical aid: The Red Cross sends medical teams and sets up field hospitals in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas to treat injured and sick people.
2. Distributing food, water, and supplies: The organization provides essential supplies such as food, clean water, clothing, and shelter to those affected by crises.
3. Offering psychological support: It also provides mental health services and emotional support to people traumatized by disasters and conflicts.
4. Promoting humanitarian law: The Red Cross works to ensure that international humanitarian laws, such as the Geneva Conventions, are respected during armed conflicts, protecting civilians and medical workers.

In essence, the Red Cross focuses on humanitarian aid and the protection of human life and dignity, regardless of nationality, race, religion, or political affiliation.

Why the other options are incorrect:

a) To advocate for global economic policies: The International Red Cross Society does not focus on advocating for economic policies. Its mission is humanitarian, aiming to help individuals in need rather than address economic or financial issues.

c) To organize global political summits: The Red Cross does not organize political summits. Its work is centered on providing aid and upholding humanitarian principles, not engaging in political negotiations or discussions.

d) To promote education in science and technology: While the Red Cross may support education in some of its programs, its primary goal is not to promote science and technology education. It is focused on providing emergency aid and improving health and safety in times of crisis.

Thus, assisting victims of war and natural disasters is a core mission of the International Red Cross Society, making option b the correct answer.

Hence, Option B Is Correct.

Red Cross; Mitigation of suffering.

1. Emblem of the International Red Cross Society:

   • The emblem of the International Red Cross Society is a Red Cross on a white background. This symbol was adopted in 1864 and is a reversal of the Swiss flag. The red cross represents humanitarian aid and protection during times of conflict and disaster. The emblem signifies neutrality and protection for medical personnel, hospitals, and those involved in humanitarian work, ensuring that these groups are not harmed during wartime.
   • The Red Cross emblem is widely recognized around the world as a symbol of safety and protection, and it is protected under international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions. The use of this emblem helps ensure the safe operation of medical units and aid organizations during armed conflicts.

2. One of Its Core Functions – Mitigation of Suffering:

   • Mitigation of suffering is one of the core functions of the International Red Cross. The organization is dedicated to alleviating human suffering caused by wars, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other humanitarian crises. It does so by providing emergency medical care, food, water, shelter, and support to people in need.
   • This function is central to the Red Cross’s mission, and the organization operates in conflict zones, disaster-stricken areas, and regions affected by health emergencies to provide life-saving assistance. Whether in the form of medical aid, humanitarian relief, or psychological support, the Red Cross works tirelessly to ease the pain and hardship experienced by vulnerable populations.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A) Red Crescent; Promotion of peace:

• The Red Crescent is the emblem used by the Red Crescent Society, which operates in many Muslim-majority countries, and it functions similarly to the Red Cross. However, the International Red Cross specifically uses the Red Cross emblem, not the Red Crescent. Additionally, while promoting peace is an important goal for many humanitarian organizations, the core function of the Red Cross is not primarily "promotion of peace" but the mitigation of suffering in emergencies.

C) Blue Shield; Protection of wildlife:

• The Blue Shield is an emblem associated with the International Committee of the Blue Shield, an organization that focuses on the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflict. It is not the emblem of the International Red Cross, and its mission is not related to the protection of wildlife.

• D) Green Cross; Humanitarian assistance:

  • The Green Cross is associated with the Green Cross International, an organization focused on environmental protection and sustainable development. While humanitarian assistance is also a key mission of the Red Cross, the Green Cross is not related to the International Red Cross, and its focus is more on environmental issues.

Conclusion:

The correct answer, B) Red Cross; Mitigation of suffering, accurately reflects both the emblem of the International Red Cross (the Red Cross on a white background) and one of its core functions, which is to alleviate suffering caused by crises such as war, natural disasters, and health emergencies.

Hence, Option B Is Correct.

Switzerland.

The emblem of the International Red Cross Society is a red cross on a white background, which is derived by reversing the colors of the flag of Switzerland.

Here’s a detailed explanation of why:

1. Swiss Flag: The flag of Switzerland consists of a white cross on a red background. The cross is centered on a square red field, and it is a symbol of Switzerland’s neutrality and humanitarian tradition.

2. International Red Cross Emblem: The emblem of the International Red Cross Society was created in 1864 as part of the Geneva Convention, and it was designed as a symbol of protection during wartime. The emblem was deliberately chosen to be a reversal of the Swiss flag's colors: the red cross on a white background, representing Switzerland's neutral and humanitarian stance. This was done as a mark of respect to the Swiss nation, as Switzerland was where the Red Cross was founded.

3. Purpose of the Emblem: The emblem serves as a protective symbol, allowing Red Cross personnel, ambulances, and hospitals to be clearly recognized in conflict zones. It indicates neutrality, meaning that those wearing the emblem should not be harmed, and it helps to ensure that aid is delivered safely to those in need, regardless of their side in a conflict.

4. Historical Background: The founder of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant, was Swiss, and after witnessing the suffering during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, he proposed the idea of an impartial and neutral organization to provide care to wounded soldiers. The Swiss government hosted the first conference that led to the establishment of the International Red Cross in 1863. Therefore, using the Swiss flag's colors for the emblem symbolized both the country's role in the movement and its commitment to neutrality and humanitarian aid.

Why not the other options?

A) France: The flag of France features blue, white, and red vertical stripes, and it is unrelated to the Red Cross emblem.

B) Italy: The flag of Italy consists of green, white, and red vertical stripes. Again, this is not related to the Red Cross emblem.

D) United States: The flag of the United States consists of red, white, and blue, with stars and stripes. It has no connection to the emblem of the Red Cross.

Hence, Option C Is Correct.