The Georgia Red Cross Society (GRC), a non-profit organization, has been providing humanitarian aid to the Georgian government since 1918. Over the past 100 years, the GRC has made significant progress in its established field, working throughout the country during both independent and Soviet times. Deputy Secretary General Kakha Mamuladze, who has been with the organization for 25 years, explains that the GRC has a unique role to play in the humanitarian sector.
According to Mamuladze, the GRC has specific roles in both governmental and non-governmental sectors, as many decrees and sub-laws in the country are tailored towards the organization. With 38 branches across Georgia, equipped with staff and volunteer members, the GRC focuses on three main directions: disaster management, health and care, and national society development. Each branch has a different focus depending on the location and needs of the area, but all have the goal of assisting the government with humanitarian issues.
Similar to other Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world, the GRC follows seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. However, the GRC also has specific legislation in place that allows them to support the government in the humanitarian direction. This includes a governmental decree that states the GRC must be included in the list of responsible organizations in the event of a disaster.
Mamuladze explains that the GRC’s humanitarian assistance in health and care includes mental health and psychosocial support, professional home care, first aid, and blood donation. If additional expertise is needed in a certain area, volunteers at the branch will receive more training. The GRC is the only non-governmental organization in Georgia with legislation tailored towards them, and Mamuladze notes that other Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world are striving to achieve this level of support from their governments.
In conclusion, the GRC plays a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid to the Georgian government. With specific legislation and a focus on disaster management, health and care, and national society development, the organization has been able to make a significant impact in the country for over 100 years.
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