Red Cross President Defends Humanitarian Mission Amid Disinformation Campaigns and Ceuta Emergency

A Legacy of Service Under Attack

Maria del Mar Pageo, a physician from Almeria who has dedicated four decades to the Red Cross, currently serves as the organization’s national president, a position she has held since 2023. Her journey with the humanitarian organization began in youth volunteering and has encompassed nearly every facet of its operations, from grassroots community work to leading the institution through some of Spain’s most challenging emergencies. Throughout her tenure, she has witnessed the organization respond to devastating natural disasters, including the catastrophic Dana weather event, wildfires, and numerous other crises that have tested the resilience of both volunteers and the communities they serve. However, what has surprised her most in recent times is not the physical challenges of humanitarian work, but rather the digital assault on the organization’s reputation through coordinated disinformation campaigns on social media platforms. These attacks, which intensified during the organization’s involvement in the Ceuta emergency, represent a new frontier in the battle to maintain public trust and continue delivering essential humanitarian services to vulnerable populations across Spain.

The Disinformation Challenge and Its Consequences

The smear campaigns targeting the Red Cross have created what Pageo describes as a “parallel reality” designed to undermine public confidence in the organization’s work. While there was a slight decrease in donations from some supporters who were influenced by these narratives, the organization’s fundamental standing with the Spanish public remained strong, as evidenced by unprecedented fundraising success during the Dana emergency, which occurred precisely during the height of the disinformation campaign. Pageo emphasizes that these attacks are part of a broader global phenomenon affecting humanitarian organizations and institutions worldwide, with the ultimate goal of eroding trust in institutional frameworks that support vulnerable populations. The consequences extend far beyond financial implications for the Red Cross itself; they threaten the very concept of humanitarian space where individuals have the fundamental right to receive assistance regardless of their circumstances. Pageo warns that this shrinking of humanitarian space has potentially devastating consequences for society as a whole, noting that “memory is fragile” and people often forget that anyone can find themselves in a vulnerable situation at any moment, as the pandemic demonstrated so clearly.

The Ceuta Emergency and Ground Operations

The situation in Ceuta represents one of the most complex challenges the Red Cross has faced, combining emergency response with long-term community support in a politically charged environment. The organization has maintained a presence in Ceuta for over 130 years, providing comprehensive services to the local population across various sectors. The current emergency involves numerous arrivals requiring immediate assistance with basic necessities such as food and water. Despite the hostile circumstances and disinformation campaigns, Pageo reports a remarkable outpouring of support, with 53 new volunteers joining the Red Cross in Ceuta since July 30 alone. The organization continues to work alongside local associations and receives support from a significant portion of the Ceuta population, even as a vocal minority promotes division and opposition to the humanitarian assistance being provided. Pageo emphasizes that the Red Cross’s commitment to Ceuta is unwavering, with the organization maintaining its presence “for as long as there is need,” regardless of the noise and disinformation surrounding their work.

Principles of Neutrality and Impartiality

At the core of the Red Cross’s response to these challenges lies its fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Pageo articulates these principles clearly: the organization helps people based on need, without consideration of religion, origin, or identity, and maintains strict separation from political spheres. This neutrality serves as a crucial tool for preserving the voluntary space in which humanitarian action can occur. When political parties attack the organization directly and publicly, the Red Cross responds not by engaging in political debate but by continuing its humanitarian work with steadfast commitment to its principles. Pageo acknowledges that those who challenge the organization often misunderstand the scope and dimension of its work, remaining locked within political interests rather than recognizing the universal importance of protecting humanity. She emphasizes that everyone should have an ultimate goal that prevails over all other considerations, and for the Red Cross, that goal is the protection of human dignity and the alleviation of suffering wherever it occurs.

Financial Transparency and Institutional Independence

Addressing attacks on the organization’s financial management, Pageo emphasizes the Red Cross’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that all reports are publicly available on their website for anyone interested in examining their operations. While public subsidies constitute a significant portion of the organization’s budget, Pageo clarifies an important distinction often misunderstood by critics: the Red Cross is not a typical NGO but rather plays an auxiliary role to public authorities in social and humanitarian areas while maintaining complete independence. This relationship is not unconditional; the organization will refuse any request that conflicts with its core principles. If political dynamics change and budgets shift, the Red Cross has demonstrated throughout its 160-year history an ability to adapt to difficult circumstances. The organization currently enjoys strong support from businesses and individual members, providing a foundation of social legitimacy that complements its institutional relationships. This adaptability and commitment to principles have enabled the Red Cross to navigate complex political landscapes while maintaining its focus on humanitarian service.

Protecting Humanitarian Space for Future Generations

Pageo expresses deep concern about the current moment, describing it as critical for the future of humanitarian action. She warns against allowing society to adopt narratives that dehumanize people through labels such as “migrants” or “the homeless,” which strip individuals of their dignity and quell empathy. Every person possesses inherent dignity that should be protected, and the humanitarian mandate is clear: protect and alleviate human suffering while preserving dignity. The disinformation campaigns represent an organized effort to challenge these fundamental principles, and the Red Cross has responded by developing strategies to trace the sources of attacks and consulting external experts for advice on countering them. Despite the challenges, Pageo maintains faith in the organization’s partners, volunteers, and technicians who believe in humanitarian aid, equality, and equity. The question ultimately becomes one of what kind of society we want to create: an inclusive, equitable, peaceful, and cohesive one, or a hostile, violent one that rejects others. Pageo’s message to those who doubt the Red Cross’s work is simple: protect humanity in these complex times, look beyond the noisy superficial narratives, and understand that the Red Cross exists for everyone, ready to help whenever and wherever need arises.