Slovenian Red Cross

Address:

Mirje 19
P.O. BOX 236 - Sl-1000 Ljubljana
Tel: +386-1-2414300
Fax: +386-1-2414344
Email: rdeci.kriz@rks.si
Website:

Legal Basis:
1991: Formerly part of the Yugoslav Red Cross, the society was re-established (having been initially founded over 130 years ago)1993: the Slovenian RC was recognized by the Movement. The new Red Cross law and the Slovenian RC statutes were adopted in 1993 2003: the statutes have been revised. The last General Assembly took place in April 2003, with the next scheduled for 2004.

Mission:
The Fundamental Principles are clearly set out in the Red Cross law and the statutes of the Red Cross of Slovenia. During the 1990s, the International Federation’s Strategic Work Plan was officially adopted by the society, and reports were made to the secretariat on its implementation.
There is some misuse of the emblem by medical establishments. The society’s dissemination officer is conducting talks with the ministry of defence and other authorities concerning infringements. An inter-ministerial committee on IHL was established in 1999 whose chairman is also chairman of the Red Cross dissemination committee. It has a good relationship with the media in the country.

Constituency:
There are 56 district branches and 991 local units. Coordination between the branches and headquarters is satisfactory. Local municipalities provide some funding for branches
Organisation/planning:
The society has developed annual plans based on cooperation between headquarters and branches that identify their priority activities, and a medium-term plan is being worked out.

Leadership:
The Slovenian RC’s main governing bodies are the general assembly, which meets every year, the national board and the executive board. Positive branch-level initiatives have started and there are active institutional development and dissemination committees.

Challenge:
Slovenia is the most prosperous of the former Yugoslav republics. Following economic problems in the first years after the break-up of Yugoslavia, the country is now making a solid recovery and has joined membership talks for the first round of European Union expansion.
Unemployment and inflation have been controlled, although inflation remains at around 7,5% (2002) with the unemployment rate around 11% (2002)..

Paid staff:
The Slovenian RC employs over 100 people between headquarters and the branches. Several younger and well-educated people are now among the staff.

Volunteers:
Members and Volunteers: In 2002, the society had 209,070 members, including 55,866 youth members. There are a lot of active volunteers in the local units; however, volunteer recruitment needs to be strengthened, especially for the youth organization.

Members:
Members and Volunteers: In 2002, the society had 209,070 members, including 55,866 youth members. There are a lot of active volunteers in the local units; however, volunteer recruitment needs to be strengthened, especially for the youth organization.

Domestic Activities


Blood
Donor recruitment is the priority activity of the society, and a new strategy and systems are being developed. The Slovenian RC’s role consists in promoting blood-donor membership, motivating and informing the public about the national blood programme and organizing recruitment drives.Dissemination of IHL & RC principles

Dissemination
The society has an active dissemination committee, and is implementing a national programme in cooperation with other elements of the Movement.Health prevention and promotion

Health
The society is the only organization in the country providing first-aid exams, which is a requirement for driving tests. Training courses are given by doctors, and there are first-aid teams in most branches. The Slovenian RC runs campaigns for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and hypertension as well as several programmes for the prevention of addictions (smoking, alcohol, drugs). Risk reduction / Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness and relief
Disaster preparedness is an important area due to the frequent natural disasters (flood, earthquakes, landslides, storms, drought) that affect the country and cause damage to property. Further development of this activity is planned to build on the existing capacity at branch level. Social Services

Social welfare
Assistance is provided to at least 52,000 social welfare cases.Youth

Youth
Summer camps and weekend camps are organized at the national and local levels, and organizational development work and youth leadership training is being provided to strengthen the programme. Different lectures and concerts are also organized

Membership in RCRC networks:
Climate Change Center; ELSG – European Legal Support Group; ENPS – European Red Cross Societies Network for Psychological Support; EPSG – European Public Support Group; ERNA – European Network of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies on HIV/AIDS; European Reference Center on First Aid
Country Information


Population: 1.996 million
GPD per capita:GDP per capita: € 16,900
Life expectancy:Life expectancy: 75.5 years
Infant mortality:Infant mortality rate: 4.4 ‰
Accession to the EU:
Accession to the EU: 2004