Red Lion and Sun Society

Red Lion and Sun Society was a national humanitarian organization in Iran that was part of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Established in 1922, it was replaced by the Red Crescent Society in 1980 following the Islamic Revolution. The society was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1923 and admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the same year.

History

The Red Lion and Sun Society was founded in 1922, in the aftermath of World War I, as Iran sought to establish a humanitarian organization to provide care for those suffering from the consequences of wars and disasters. The emblem of the Red Lion and Sun was chosen to represent the society, combining traditional Persian symbols with the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

During its existence, the Red Lion and Sun Society conducted various humanitarian activities both within Iran and internationally. It provided medical care, disaster relief, and support to victims of conflict. The society played a significant role during the Second World War and in the events that followed, offering assistance to those affected by war and natural disasters.

In 1980, following the Islamic Revolution, the government of Iran decided to replace the Red Lion and Sun emblem with the Red Crescent, aligning Iran's humanitarian organization more closely with the symbols used by the majority of Muslim-majority countries. Consequently, the Red Lion and Sun Society was rebranded as the Iranian Red Crescent Society, which continues to operate in Iran today.

Activities

The Red Lion and Sun Society was involved in a wide range of humanitarian activities, including:

• Providing medical services to the wounded and sick in times of war and peace.
• Offering assistance and relief in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods.
• Participating in public health campaigns and vaccination drives to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Supporting the welfare of prisoners of war and facilitating their exchange and repatriation.
• Engaging in youth and volunteer programs to promote humanitarian values and principles.

International Recognition and Cooperation

The society was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1923, a year after its establishment. This recognition allowed the Red Lion and Sun Society to participate in the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, fostering cooperation with other national societies and engaging in joint humanitarian missions across the globe.

Transition to the Red Crescent

The decision to transition from the Red Lion and Sun to the Red Crescent was influenced by a desire to align more closely with the symbols commonly used by Islamic countries within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This change reflected broader shifts in Iranian society and governance following the Islamic Revolution. The transition was completed in 1980, marking the end of the Red Lion and Sun Society's operations under its original name and emblem.

Legacy

The legacy of the Red Lion and Sun Society lives on through the work of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The transition to the Red Crescent did not diminish the commitment to humanitarian principles and activities in Iran. Today, the Iranian Red Crescent continues to play a vital role in providing disaster relief, medical services, and humanitarian aid both within Iran and internationally.