Laws of the Shanghai Province

In accordance with the "Notice of the General Office of the State Council about Transmitting the 'Suggestions on Further Strengthening the Work of Red Cross Societies' Made by the Red Cross Society of China" (SC GO G [2004] No. 85, hereinafter referred to as the "Notice" of the General Office of the State Council), we hereby put forward the suggestions on further strengthening this Municipality' s work of Red Cross societies as follows:

I. Enhancing the understanding of the status and role of Red Cross societies

Energetically developing the Red Cross undertaking meets the need of implementing the important thought of Three Represents, of adhering to putting people first, of establishing and implementing the scientific viewpoint of development, and of building a harmonious socialist society, and is in keeping with the wish of and in the interest of the masses. We shall conscientiously transmit and implement the "Notice" of the General Office of the State Council, fully understand the unique status and role of the Red Cross societies in maintaining the overall situation of reform, development and stability of the city of Shanghai, and in building a well-off society in an all-round way.  

We shall, in accordance with the spirit of the "Notice" of the General Office of the State Council, earnestly overcome the difficulties and solve problems arising form the development of the Red Cross undertaking. Red Cross societies at all levels shall, jointly with the relevant departments at the same level, put forward measures to promote the Red Cross undertaking, and enable the relevant departments, various social circles and the masses to attach greater importance to and support the work of Red Cross societies.

II. Rationalizing the administrative system for district and county Red Cross societies, and providing effective organizational guarantee

All districts and the county shall, in strict accordance with the "Notice on Relevant Issues for Rationalizing the Administrative System for District and County Red Cross Societies" (SMEC [2004] No. 161) made by the Municipal Organization Commission, rationalize the administrative system, provide the contingent of cadres that are devoted to Red Cross undertaking, faithful in their duties, and conscientious about their work, love their posts, and take delight in dedication with clean hands and fair mind. Meanwhile, all districts and the county shall provide necessary condition for their office operation and policy support, and enable district and county Red Cross societies to carry out work independently with the initiative in their own hands.

III. Supporting humanitarian relief work of Red Cross and making great efforts to increase financing channels

We shall give full play to the Red Cross societies in humanitarian relief as government assistants, and support the Red Cross societies, in accordance with the "Red Cross Law of the People' s Republic of China" and the "Regulations of Shanghai Municipality on Red Cross" , in performing their functions and duties, and increasing their financing channels in raising funds from non-governmental sector and soliciting contributions from the general public and international community, constantly improving their actual relief strength.

The humanitarian relief of Red Cross is a necessary complement to the governmental humanitarian relief, and has its own uniqueness and significance compared to other mass organizations. Therefore, relevant functions of Red Cross societies shall be fully taken into account in building the disaster relief system and humanitarian relief system at all levels.

IV. Carrying forward the work of Red Cross in communities and strengthening the building of Red Cross medical stations

The basis of the work of Red Cross societies is at the gross-root units. We shall actively carry forward the work of Red Cross in communities, schools, factories and hospitals, and energetically recruit members and voluntary workers of Red Cross.

Red Cross medical stations are not only the basic carriers for Red Cross societies to carry out the work in communities, but also platforms for them to serve the people. We shall fully utilize community resources, support and strengthen the building of Red Cross medical stations, and incorporate the work of Red Cross in communities into the building and planning of model housing estates.

V. Carrying out the training of mass medical aid knowledge and raising the ability of citizens to save themselves and each other

Carrying out the training of mass medical aid knowledge, family nursing knowledge, home safety and healthcare knowledge is a traditional business that embodies the aim of Red Cross societies to "protect the lives and health of people" . We shall, in accordance with the requirements of the "Notice about Printing and Distributing the 'Suggestions of the Red Cross Society of China on Carrying out Aid Work in a Widespread and Penetrating Way' " (RCSC [2001] No.44) made by 15 ministries and commissions under the Central Government including the Red Cross Society of China, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, support the Red Cross societies to carry out the training of medical aid and disease-prevention knowledge on the personnel such as residents, motor vehicle drivers, tourist guides and traffic police, and meanwhile combine the training with safe production, professional/vocational training, spiritual civilization construction as well as the organizational development of Red Cross societies. Through such trainings, the ability of citizens to save themselves and each other in handling emergent incidents and disasters shall be raised, and Shanghai' s city image be promoted.

VI. Supporting public welfare publicity of Red Cross and creating a good atmosphere

Red Cross societies have a history of more than 100 years in China. Due to historical reasons, they are still at the initial stage at present and their popularity among the public and the masses is not high enough. Therefore, great efforts should be made to publicize Red Cross societies and humanitarian relief undertaking of Red Cross, so as to attract more people to participate in the work of Red Cross societies and to support the Red Cross undertaking. We request the press and mass media such as television, broadcasting, and newspapers and periodicals to continue to report on their own initiative the work of Red Cross societies and publicize the spirit of Red Cross that advocates "humanity, fraternity and contributions" , making it a landscape in Shanghai' s construction of urban spiritual civilization.

VII. Pushing forward international and regional exchange and cooperation of Red Cross societies

We shall give full play to the unique superiority of Red Cross societies in carrying out non-governmental diplomacy, and incorporate international exchanges of Red Cross into Shanghai' s foreign exchange programs with friendship cities. Meanwhile, we shall support the Red Cross societies to carry out foreign exchange and cooperation programs, and provide the Red Cross societies with assistance in their participation in humanitarian service work for international activities of all kinds held in Shanghai.

The Shanghai Branch of the Red Cross Society

January 31, 2005