World Red Cross Red Crescent Day was celebrated by the volunteers, members and supporters of 181 National Societies across the globe on May 8, 2004. This date commemorates the birthday of Henri Dunant, the Swiss national who inspired the birth of the movement in the late 19th century.

Branches throughout Belize have been holding various activities under the theme "Stop Discrimination" to mark the date. From Corozal and Orange, where volunteers gave free blood pressure checks while promoting the Principles of the Movement, to Belmopan and Toledo that held walk-a-thons and clean-up drives. From Stann Creek where the Branch along with the Hopkins group, conducted a dissemination exercise to share First Aid and Home Nursing tips, HIV/AIDS information and visited persons with special needs, to the San Pedro Branch who opened their new office space, kindly provided by the San Pedro Town Board.

In Belize City, an “Evening of Dance, Music and Song” was held at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts. Demonstrating the spirit of volunteerism, members and students of The Vista Dance Company (under the direction of Mrs. Sistie Fairweather-Harmes), The Belize Choral Society (directed by Dr. Leopold Perriott), The Pantempers Steel Band (directed by Mr. Lynn Young), and Miss Gina Scott gave stellar performances. The event was attended by the Belize Red Cross Patron, His Excellency Sir Colville Young and Lady Young.

The President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has urged Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide to step up their efforts to combat stigma and discrimination in all its forms and to take active measures to promote tolerance and respect for cultural diversity, thereby promoting Peace.

“It is a matter of profound concern to us that while many resolutions have been adopted in support of this general objective, discrimination remains a serious problem in almost all countries,” Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro said in an appeal on the occasion. “It is time for action.” His call draws attention to the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, as well as the vulnerabilities of minorities and other marginalized groups.

He said it was “vital that the message being delivered to people everywhere by their Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and their dedicated volunteers is supported by work at the international and governmental levels”.

The foundation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s commitment to challenge discrimination is its Fundamental Principle of Impartiality, which states that the Movement: "makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions".