The White Cross celebrates its second anniversary after being founded with assets confiscated from the International Red Cross.
Newsroom (05/06/2025 13:30 , Gaudium Press) Vice President Rosario Murillo enthusiastically announced celebrations for the second anniversary of the “White Cross,” a state-run institution created after the Ortega-Murillo regime confiscated the assets of the Nicaraguan Red Cross, a former affiliate of the International Red Cross.
A Celebration Under Scrutiny
“The second anniversary of the creation of the White Cross is being celebrated on Monday, June 9. We will hold a special event in the Auditorium of the White Cross Headquarters, with the participation of first responders from the various branches and all employees,” Murillo declared in her daily address on Wednesday 4th June 2025.
Praising the institution’s alleged contributions to public health, Murillo framed its existence as a victory for Nicaraguan families.
“How we’ve made progress in protecting health, something that Nicaraguan families deserve. Because it’s a right, not a handout, not a gift from anyone,” she said. “Here we are, in a State and a Government that respects the rights of Nicaraguan families and defends them. Here we are: Cruz Blanca, two years of serving our people!”
A Forcible Takeover
The “White Cross” was established on June 14, 2023, following the abrupt dissolution of the Nicaraguan Red Cross—a 94-year-old humanitarian organization—through a law passed by the Ortega-controlled National Assembly. The legislation not only dismantled the historic institution but also transferred all its assets to the state without compensation or consultation.
“All assets, property, and shares currently belonging to the Nicaraguan Red Cross Association will become the property of the State and will be administered by the Nicaraguan Red Cross, a decentralized entity attached to the Ministry of Health,” the law states.
Initially retaining the Nicaraguan Red Cross name, the entity was quickly rebranded as the “White Cross,” operating under direct government control.
International Condemnation
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) swiftly condemned the move.
“The IFRC is deeply concerned about the dissolution of our member National Society, the Nicaraguan Red Cross,” the organization stated. “We are closely monitoring the situation and evaluating the best course of action.”
The White Cross’s creation marked a stark departure from the Red Cross’s founding principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Instead, the new law mandates that the institution follow the “solidarity principles and humanitarian practices of the Nicaraguan nation”—effectively aligning it with government directives.
Confiscated Properties Fuel Expansion
The White Cross’s operations have been further bolstered by properties seized from civilians. In January 2025, exiled Nicaraguan journalist Henry Briceño reported that the regime confiscated four of his properties in San Rafael del Sur, including his family home, which was converted into a White Cross branch.
The Ortega government has systematically dismantled civil society, shuttering over 3,000 NGOs since 2018, including the prestigious Nicaraguan Academy of Letters, the Missionaries of Charity and numerous other agencies. Additionally, Nicaragua withdrew from the Organization of American States (OAS) Charter after the body called for an end to human rights abuses in the country.
As the White Cross marks its second anniversary, critics argue that its existence symbolizes the consolidation of state control over humanitarian aid—turning a once-independent lifeline into another instrument of government power.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from 100%Noticias and Jurist.org
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