Red Cross / EU Office

Czech Red Cross

Address:

Thunovska 18
118 04 - Praha 1
Tel: +420 2 51104203
Fax: +420 2 51104271
Email: sochorova.linda@cck-cr.cz
Website: www.cck-cr.cz

Legal Basis:
Mission:

The Czech Red Cross does not have a mission statement but the Fundamental Principles are clearly stated in its statutes and, in the 1990s, the society operated in accordance with the International Federation’s Strategic Work Plan.

Cooperation with the government is good, as demonstrated during the floods in 1997.

The Czech RC does not have a clearly identified profile in the country, but good relations are being developed with the national media in order to strengthen the public image of the society.

Constituency:

There are 76 branches throughout the country, which are independent and under the Statutes of the Czech RC, which were adopted at the Council of delegates of the Czech RC.

Organisation/planning:

The society has a medium-term development plan, which was adopted in 1993. The plan focuses on development of blood donation, first-aid training, social welfare, home care, disaster preparedness and youth activities. The National Society, at its general assembly in 2001, approved the newstrategy for 2001 to 2004.

Leadership:

The executive council has six regular sessions every year.

The assembly of delegates meets once a year.

Management training has been provided to branch staff with support from the German Red Cross and English-language training through the International Federation.

Challenge:

The Czech Republic was formed in 1993 following a split with Slovakia. The country is generally stable, both politically and economically, following successful stabilisation policies. Unemployment is very low and inflation is controlled, but living standards remain low. It is affected by natural disasters such as devastating floods in 1997 and 2002.

Paid staff:

In 2004, the society employed 195 staff (160 at local branches and 32 at headquarters).

Volunteers:

There are around 8,000 active volunteers who are involved in its basic programmes.

Members:

Membership comes mainly from the more affluent people in Czech society and recruitment of new members is a challenge. Youth recruitment in rural areas is easier. The society has 81,881 members including 1,085 youth volunteers.

Domestic Activities
A programme for blood-donor recruitment is run in close conjunction with the government authorities. The main role is to promote recruitment and awarding of blood donors.
Seminars on international humanitarian law have been organized for the society’s staff and will be extended to high schools universities, and in cooperation with the army.
First-aid training is provided for a wide public including children and youth.
Youth leadership training is of a high standard but a lack of financial support limits the effectiveness of the work of the 36 youth groups. Projects include human rights; HIV/AIDS prevention; transport assistance for disabled people; activities with children.

Membership in RCRC networks:
Country Information

Red Cross/EU Office