The Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS) was founded in August 1989. With the enactment of the Seychelles Red Cross Act of 1991, the society was officially recognized as a voluntary relief society and auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field. In accordance with provisions of the First Geneva Convention, it was established as the only National Red Cross organization authorised to carry out its activities in Seychelles territory.
Its constitution is based on the Geneva Conventions, which Seychelles is party to and on the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. In relation to the public authorities, the RCSS maintains an autonomous position that allows it to act at all times in accordance with the seven principles that underpins the Red Cross Red Crescent worldwide. The RCSS is a member of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the world’s largest humanitarian organization.
The Central organization of the RCSS comprises a General Assembly and a National Committee. The General Assembly comprising of all menmbers,is the highest authority and meets every two years in Ordinary Session. It elects the National Committee and it is composed of a President, two Vice-Presidents, and four ordinary members.. The chairperson elected by the branches automatically become members as well as a youth representative
As a voluntary organization the RCSS operates via its three Branches based on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. The activities are carried out by over a hundred registered,dedicated volunteers of different age groups.
Our Mandate
The general objective of the Red Cross Society of Seychelles is to prevent and alleviate suffering with complete impartiality, making no discrimination as to nationality, race, sex, religious beliefs, language, class or political opinions. For this purpose, its tasks are as follows:
- To act in cases of armed conflict and, in peace time, prepare to act in all the fields covered by the Geneva Conventions and on behalf of all war victims, both civilian and military.
- To contribute to the improvement of health, the prevention of disease and the mitigation of suffering;
- To organize, within the scope of the national plan, emergency relief services for the victims of disasters, howsoever caused;
- To educate the population on how to respond to disasters, howsoever caused;
- To promote the participation of children and young people in the work of the Red Cross;
- To promote Fundamental Principles of the Movement & of international humanitarian law to develop humanitarian ideals among population in particular, children & youth;
- To recruit, train and assign such staff and volunteers as are necessary for the discharge of its responsibilities;
- To cooperate with the public authorities to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to protect the Red Cross, the Red Crescent and the Red Crystal emblems.
Download our our Strategic Plan 2023-2027 for more information.