About Us

Brief Overview of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS)

The Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS), established in 1934, is an independent humanitarian organization recognized by the government of Afghanistan as an auxiliary to state agencies. ARCS plays a pivotal role in providing disaster response services. According to the 2016 Red Crescent Law, the organization conducts its activities based on the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

ARCS is tasked with aiding disaster-affected communities, offering emergency shelter, and distributing relief items to vulnerable populations. Operating through a network of 7 regional and 34 provincial branches, and with over 20,000 staff and trained volunteers, ARCS stands out as one of the few national organizations with comprehensive outreach and access across Afghanistan.

Over the decades, ARCS has maintained its neutrality and garnered acceptance, allowing its teams to deliver principled humanitarian actions even in conflict zones, including areas under the control of armed opposition groups. With the support of partners within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and partner national societies like the Norwegian Red Cross—ARCS has enhanced its management systems, processes, and partnerships. This enables ARCS to effectively respond to emergencies, whether at the request of public authorities or under its own initiative.