¹ Strategy for the Development of National Societies in the Eighties (hereinafter Strategy), League of Red Cross Societies, Geneva, 1982.Google Scholar

² Strategy, op. cit., paras. 49, 50:

“49. Development means the process of strengthening the capacity of National Societies to provide Red Cross services based on national resources. It is thus concerned with both the development of National Societies' operational structures and with the development of the services they provide.

“50. The concept of self-reliance encompasses both the need for National Societies to remain independent and their role as auxiliaries to governments”.

³ Strategy, op. cit., para. 45:

“45. The aim of the Development Programme in the eighties is therefore to assist National Societies to become self-reliant and effective partners within the International Red Cross.”

⁴ Strategy, op, cit., para. 51:

“51. The concept of effectiveness is met by a National Society which:

(a) complies on a continuing basis with the conditions for recognition of National Societies by the ICRC and for membership of the League;

(b) is independent of interference from outside bodies in its decision-making and possesses sufficient financial, personnel and material resources to implement its plans;

(c) has defined the role of the Red Cross in the national context and prepared a plan or statement of objectives for the Society in the future—taking into account government policies and community needs;

(d) ensures that the Red Cross emblem is respected in time of armed conflict and peace;

(e) has the capacity to anticipate, prepare for and meet needs in the fields of protection and assistance independently, or as a partner to its government and/or other organizations;

(f) provides regular services in at least one field which, in the opinion of leaders both within and outside the Red Cross, significantly benefit those in need in the community;

(g) has a governing structure which gives representation to members from the local levels, and functions according to its constitution;

(h) has and implements written policies regarding the recruitment, training and reward of members, both paid and volunteer;

(i) has a headquarters which gives leadership and support to the local units; has basic financial management, including arrangements for independent auditing; maintains effective relationships with governments and others;

(j) has local units which have the capacity to identify needs and provide services within their areas; provide descriptive and financial annual reports to headquarters, participate in Annual General Meetings; meet their financial responsibilities to headquaters;

(k) participates in, and accepts the responsibilities of its membership in the International Red Cross through: involvement in the policy-making process of the International Red Cross; payment of its statutory contributions to the League; co-operating with and assisting other National Societies and Red Cross bodies, according to its resources.

⁵ Strategy, op. cit., see above Notes 2 and 4.