Icelandic Red Cross

English site

The Icelandic Red Cross does work domestically as well as supporting international work of the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement all over the world. The main emphasis is on bringing assistance and help where it is needed. New projects are chosen as a result of surveys and analysis.

Donate to the Icelandic Red Cross

There are 42 local branches around Iceland carrying out a wide range of diverse projects.

President of the Icelandic Red Cross is Sveinn Kristinsson. 
Secretary general is Kristín Hjálmtýsdóttir.

Here you can see which programs we provide for english speaking individuals.

Here you can see volunteer opportunities for english speaking people in Iceland.

For further information please contact central@redcross.is

The Seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross

All the work of the Red Cross is guided by the movement´s seven fundamental principles, which were formalised at the International Conference of the Red Cross in Geneva in 1986.

Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering, to protect life and health, and to ensure individuals the respect they deserve.
The Red Cross promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality
The movement does not discriminate between people based on their nationality, origin, religious beliefs, gender, class or political views. It tries to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent and vulnerable cases.

Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the trust of all, the movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence
The movement is independent. Although the national societies provide assistance as part of the humanitarian services of their government and are subject to the laws of their respective countries, they must always maintain their autonomy, so that they can act in accordance with the fundamental principles of the movement.
Voluntary service
The movement is a voluntary relief organisation and never motivated by the desire to gain.

Unity
In each country, there can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society. It should be open to everyone and must carry on its humanitarian work throughout the country.

Universality
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a worldwide movement in which all national societies have equal status and responsibilities and bear the same obligation to help each other.

Who are our vulnerables - Report

Emergency services - Brochure

Emergency shelters - Brochure

Psychological support - Brochure

Volunteer information - Brochure

Ambulance transport

Ambulances in Iceland are owned and equipped by the Icelandic Red Cross, but are crewed by fire service personnel. If you  were transported with an ambulance in Iceland and have received an invoice from the Icelandic Red Cross you can pay it here on a secure site.

Emergency shelters - Locations

Here you can see where the next emergency shelter is in Iceland. They are opened e.g. in case of natural disasters.  Emergency shelters provide disaster victims with safe facilities where they can eat and rest as well as seek counselling and psycho-social support.