Red Cross / EU Office

Belgian Red Cross (NL)

Address:

Motstraat 40

2800 - Mechelen
Tel: +32 15 44 33 22
Fax: +32 15 44 33 11
Email: info@rodekruis.be
Website: http://www.rodekruis.be

Legal Basis:
Mission:

The essential of the Belgian Red Cross mission is to:
Constituency:

275 local sections which are managed by local committees and are grouped in regional committees.

Aid comes under the jurisdiction of the local, regional and provincial structures, they are organised in 9 zones.

Organisation/planning:

The Belgian RC-Flanders developed a 1997-2002 strategic work plan, defining its general orientations, objectives and priorities. An operational plan with the actions and results to be obtained for the different objectives reinforces this strategic work plan.

Leadership:

The General Assembly is the highest authority of the Red Cross. It is the only body able to modify statutes, it approves the accounts and balance sheets of the institution. It meets each year in October in a meeting presided by the national President. It is composed of members of the national councils, community councils, medical committees, provincial committees, regional presidents and local sections or their representative. 

National matters (or federal) are the responsibility of two bodies presided over by the national President: the national council and the national management committee.

For community issues, the French and Flemish councils define their general policies and fix the priorities of their community; the management board in their respective head each community, in their respective area of responsibility (blood and humanitarian services). 

All mandates in the institution are on a voluntary basis.

Challenge:

Belgium has been a federal state since 1994, associating three regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels) and three communities (Flemish, French and German speaking). 

Situated in the heart of the EU of which it is one of the founding members, it is the seat of the European Parliament, Commission, and Council.

The BRC is well known and trusted by the population. It is known for its efficiency, energy, its transparency and its structures, adapted to the complexity of the Belgian state are sometimes portrayed as complicated.

Therefore, it is constant by simplifying its structure at all levels and replying as well as possible to the needs of the population.

Paid staff:

2,134 persons; about 1,000 in the blood programmes and the rest is working in the humanitarian services at national HQ and provincial offices (both French and Flemish-sepaking communities)
 
Volunteers:

24,000 (mainly within local sections) who take part in all Belgian RC activities  (both French and Flemish-sepaking communities).

Domestic Activities
Appointed by the federal state, the Belgian Red Cross organises the reception of asylum seekers in centres. In addition to provide accommodation these offer social aid, legal advice and medical care as well as access to training and to information. Moreover, the Red Cross ensures the integration of the centers in the local communities thanks to the added financial support of the Ministry of Social Integration. Finally, the Tracing service helps people applying for a family reunification and searching for lost family members. Belgium has been a federal state since 1994, associating three regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels) and three communities (Flemish, French and German speaking). 

Situated in the heart of the EU of which it is one of the founding members, it is the seat of the European Parliament, Commission, and Council.

The BRC is well known and trusted by the population. It is known for its efficiency, energy, its transparency and its structures, adapted to the complexity of the Belgian state are sometimes portrayed as complicated.

Therefore, it is constant by simplifying its structure at all levels and replying as well as possible to the needs of the population.

Blood

In Belgium, 95 per cent of the collection and distribution of blood is organized by the Red Cross. Blood and plasma donations are voluntary and non-remunerated. In 2003, there were 361,395 blood and plasma donors. The organisation procures blood and blood products for hospitals and clinics; strict medical control guarantees the quality and safety of the blood.

Civil Protection
Elderly

Helping elderly in old peoples homes on geriatric wards or at home

First Aid

The Belgian RC runs first-aid courses: the European Certificate of First Aid and supplementary courses. It teaches parents, crèche staff and child minders how to resuscitate a baby or a child.

Health prevention and promotion

Ambulanceservice: in 2003, more than 61.000 people were transported (21.798 emergency and 39.317 non-emergency)

Social Services
Youth

Red Cross youth disseminates Red Cross values among young people (Benjamin). It organizes First Aid first-aid course for children between 10 and 12 years old, and provides educational material in various subjects: health, inter-cultural relations, prevention of violence.

International Activites: Humanitarian Aid

Logistical support

International Activites: Development Activities

Community-based health

Personnel:

18 peolple

Amount spent on international work:

The Belgian RC-Flemish-speaking community budget devoted to international activities amounted to € 5.8 million in 2001. Approximately 80 per cent of the budget comes from the public authorities, with the European Community providing 5.5 per cent. On average, 82 per cent of the budget is used for emergency assistance activities and rehabilitation, and 5 per cent for development.

Countries of Operation:
emergency and rehabilitation
emergency and rehabilitation
emergency and rehabilitation
emergency and rehabilitation

Membership in RCRC networks:
Country Information

Red Cross/EU Office