Red Cross Blogs

When did the Red Cross first give first aid training to “non-state actors”? And do you provide first aid training to US and UK troops?

I am disgusted to think that I have supported the RED CROSS,in giving them stuff to sell in their charity shops,to find out they are training the Taliban in first aid.the red cross has just lost my support.I wont even go into their shop again,And this information must go worldwide on facebook.

You do not deserve the space you have given to put your comment on here, when you have to visit your son with half his face blown off fighting for justice in a country that does not even want justice or even understand the meaning of it then you can comment. They live by ancient laws and should be left to live this way. They are vicious and cold hearted and cowardly in the way they fight……………………………Go away Millie , or maby sign up for the red cross and work your way through the minefields as you try and help the Taliban.

Hi Andrew. Yes, the International Red Cross provides first aid training to everyone regardless of who they are – including US and UK troops. Providing medical assistance with complete neutrality is a key part of the Red Cross' mandate.

For the avoidance of doubt, please do bear in mind that the article is about the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which is a separate entity to the British Red Cross. For further information about this distinction, see this page: http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/5...

Ah the good old british Red Cross, arent these the same gang who stopped selling xmas cards in their charity shops for fear of causing offence to other religions?

I can't believe the Red Cross is helping the very cowards that leave bombs for our troops to stand on. My son as several others have been blown to pieces by these gutless terrorists, don't ever expect any support from myself or my family and friends !!!!!!!!!

Well how neutral is that Linda, as usual we all have to bend over backwards not to upset them !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Red Cross wont be getting another penny from me….

Why don't you get yourself over to Ireland and help train the (R)IRA and the (C)IRA while your at it…..

Now this is a travesty. To a degree, I can understand your international humanitarian laws. No person should be discriminated due to race, color, or creed. That would be the humanitarian thing to do. I believe that there are exceptions to the “rules”. And this would definately be one of those exceptions. The Taliban have their own set of rules and they are not of any humanitarian nature. The Taliban wish to wipe out Nations of people that do not believe in their God. May the atrosoties of September 11, 2001 on American soil NEVER be forgotten . Troops from around the world fight to stop such atrocities. Atrocities committed by the Taliban, of UNHUMAN nature…purely evil. And you feel that it is acceptable to offer assistance to such evilness? In our great country, the United States of America, we rule by majority. I could guarantee that if the American people knew about this, the vast majority of people would not support this. If you firmly believe that what you are doing for the Taliban is humanitarian and the right thing to do, I think it should be known to the public. Citizens should know what their donations are going towards. It should be on the front page of every news paper in every country for all to see. I, for one, can no longer support a cause such as this. And will make sure that every single person I know is aware of this. And within my great country, I have the right to make it know. Perhaps a huge sign attached to the window on my vehicle, a quick phone call to the local newspaper or television station to get started.

I am so surprised at the comments being left here. I don't know about anyone else, but I like to read up on a charity before I give money to them, to make sure I actually do support the aims I'm fundig. It therefore comes as no surprise to me that the Red Cross help the Taliban, given their founding Principles. Thus my support will not waver now that a newspaper has decided to turn their neutrality into a story. I continue to applaud the Red Cross for providing aid and medical help to those that need it, regardless of religion/race/etc.

And some of these commenters would do well to remember that the Taliban recruit soldiers just like everyone else – I'm sure we have troops over there that do not support the war but are simply doing their jobs, as they have been instructed to do. Not everyone joins a war by choice, and not everyone has the luxury of trained medics who will fly them home if needed.

I also wil never donate again, and will ensure that my family dosent as well. I am currently in Afghanistan figting the taliban. I have seen them hurl grenades and hurt innocent children, and blow themselves up and kill innocent people. And yet you would offer them aid to continue doing what they do? Why not use this money towards something more worthwhile like haiti, or some other country in need. I am appauled at this!

I think what we have to understand is that these concepts are in play during every situation, and that is what allows the Red Cross to function and do a lot of the good work that they do. By remaining impartial they SAVE lives. It is what allows them to operate in Thailand and provide medical assistance to both the protesters and government troops…if the red cross took a stance against providing humanitarian assistance to the Taliban and violated their founding principals it would not be long before they were kicked out of Haiti, Sri Lanka, China, and Indonesia. Why would they be allowed to remain in Afghanistan to support our troops?

The Red Cross is above politics, they are not a government and as such even if we don't like it in all cases…they see the people who are hurting and suffering. The people who have sisters, fathers, mothers, aunts, and nephews who want to see them come home. Culture is ingrain in us, it is taught, but in conflict we need to see beyond these things, people hurt regardless of their color, religion, culture, or beliefs.

Last year the British Red Cross made hundreds of thousands of pounds through selling Christmas cards in their shops across the country and online.

I bought a pack of 10, looking forward to the new set coming out in August, check the shop online for more details!

”And some of these commenters would do well to remember that the Taliban recruit soldiers just like everyone else” WHAT A LOAD OF RUBIISH!!! please dont coment on thing you know nothing about!!! you have the right to voice your opinion not to state untrue facts! the taliban has volunters and also a large percentage of recruits are forced into joining usually by threats to them, there familys and villages, i know this first hand as i have seen the evidence with my own eyes! i have also seen the after affects of what these creatures (i say creatures as i cannot bring myself to call any group who can accept doing these discusing things as normal humanbeings) do to small children (males usually) .So how stupid is it to help these creatures??? and keep prolonging this awful war, it makes no sense at all, and besides this, all the taliban boast they embrace death and that is why islam will rule the world! so why would they want or need the red cross???? anyone who thinks they should receive any sort of help or aid is either ill imformed or has somthing wrong with them!