Christoph von Toggenburg/ICRC

MISSION
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an

ICRC
impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively
humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims
of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide
THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERNATIONAL
AND RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT
universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent coordinates the Movement’s international relief is at the origin of the Geneva Conventions and the International Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, conduct that the Movement’s components are
Movement is the largest humanitarian network activities during armed conflicts. Established in Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It directs and coordinates voluntary service, unity and universality: these required to follow at all times, and States must
in the world. Its mission is to alleviate human 1863, it is at the origin of the Movement. the international activities conducted by the Movement in armed seven Fundamental Principles sum up the respect this necessity.
suffering, protect life and health, and uphold Movement’s ethics and are at the core of its
conflicts and other situations of violence.
human dignity, especially during armed conflicts The International Federation inspires, facilitates approach to helping people in need during armed The Fundamental Principles are key to the
and other emergencies. It is present in every and promotes all humanitarian activities conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies. Movement’s identity. Adherence to these
country and supported by millions of volunteers. carried out by its member National Societies principles ensures the humanitarian nature of the
in behalf of those who are most vulnerable. It

THE FUNDAMENTAL These principles unite the components of the Movement’s work and brings consistency to the

01.2023   Front cover: Talia Frankel/American Red Cross

It is not a single organization. It is composed of directs and coordinates its members’ actions to Movement – the ICRC, the National Societies broad range of activities it undertakes around the

PRINCIPLES
the International Committee of the Red Cross assist the victims of natural and technological and the International Federation – and enable world. The principles provide a common bond
(ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross disasters, refugees and those affected by health them to provide effective, unbiased assistance for the National Societies, which vary greatly in
and Red Crescent Societies and the 189 individual emergencies. It was founded in 1919. to people in need. They are mandatory rules of structure, culture and membership.
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Each has its own legal identity and role, but they
are all united by seven Fundamental Principles.
National Societies act as auxiliaries to their
national authorities in the humanitarian
OF THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS
field. They provide a broad range of services AND RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT
The ICRC’s exclusively humanitarian mission is to including disaster relief, and health and social
protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed programmes. In wartime they may assist the
conflict and other situations of violence and civilian population and support the medical
to provide them with assistance. It directs and services of the armed forces. facebook.com/icrc
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© ICRC, January 2023
 Benoit Carpentier/International Federation
Christian Cardon de Lichtbuer/ICRC
Christophe von Toggenburg/ICRC

Ibrahim Malla/SARC

Boris Heger/ICRC
Kate Holt/ICRC
THE FUNDAMENTAL HUMANITY IMPARTIALITY NEUTRALITY INDEPENDENCE VOLUNTARY SERVICE UNITY UNIVERSALITY
PRINCIPLES
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent The Movement makes no discrimination as In order to continue to enjoy the confidence The Movement is independent. The National The Movement is a voluntary relief movement There can be only one Red Cross or one Red The Movement, in which all National
HUMANITY Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or of all, the Movement may not take sides Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian not prompted in any manner by desire Crescent Society in any one country. It must be Societies have equal status and share equal
without discrimination to the wounded on the political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the in hostilities or engage at any time in services of their governments and subject to for gain. open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian responsibilities and duties in helping each
IMPARTIALITY battlefield, endeavours – in its international suffering of individuals, being guided solely controversies of a political, racial, religious the laws of their respective countries, must work throughout its territory. other, is worldwide.
and national capacities – to prevent and by their needs, and to give priority to the most or ideological nature. always maintain their autonomy so that they • The principle of voluntary service signifies
NEUTRALITY alleviate suffering wherever it may be found. urgent cases of distress. may be able at all times to act in accordance the humanitarian motivation of all the This principle enables National Societies to serve • The universality of suffering requires a
Its purpose is to protect life and health and The Movement must not take sides or be with the principles of the Movement. people who work within the Movement, as a unifying force in countries and communities, universal response: National Societies exist
INDEPENDENCE to ensure respect for every human being. It The principle of impartiality embodies three regarded as doing so, either in its speech or in its whether or not they are paid for it. and to promote understanding and peace. in almost every country in the world and
promotes mutual understanding, friendship, related concepts: actions, at any time or in any place. This enables • It is only by being truly independent that • Members of the Movement have no they have a collective responsibility to
VOLUNTARY SERVICE cooperation and lasting peace amongst its components to reach people who need help the Movement can respect the principles motive for offering assistance other than a • The National Society must be the only assist one another in responding to crises
all peoples. • Non-discrimination: Members of the in crises and to maintain a dialogue with those of neutrality and impartiality. desire to help: this is a powerful statement one in the country and must conduct its and to support each other's development
UNITY Movement help people regardless of involved in armed conflict and other violence. • Although auxiliary to the public of solidarity. humanitarian activities throughout the in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect.
This principle, which underpins all the other their religious beliefs, the colour of their The Movement’s neutrality helps assure parties to authorities in the humanitarian field, • The Movement’s extensive network of territory – in urban centres as well as in • Regardless of size or resources, each
UNIVERSALITY principles, encompasses several ideas: skin, their political convictions, where a conflict that assisting civilians and wounded or National Societies must retain their Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers remote rural areas. National Society has equal voting rights in
they come from, or whether they are rich detained fighters does not constitute interference autonomy when making decisions so that is unique and ensures that people • It must recruit volunteers and staff, and the Movement’s governing bodies.
• Suffering is universal and requires or poor. in the conflict. The Movement’s components they can work in accordance with the throughout the world receive assistance. members of its governing board, from • The principle of universality also means
a response: it cannot be met with • Proportionality: Whether treating the must build a reputation for neutral conduct in Fundamental Principles at all times and in It is a source of initiative and of inspiration all ethnic and social groups without that the failings or omissions of one
indifference. wounded or distributing food, members of peacetime, so that they have the confidence all situations. This may mean turning down for many other humanitarian endeavours; discriminating on the basis of race, gender, component affect the entire Movement.
• Respect for human dignity is paramount in the Movement must ensure that those in of all sides, and can act more effectively at the any requests that are in conflict with these at the same time, it provides invaluable class, religion, political opinion or any The integrity and public image of the
everything the Movement does. It implies greatest need receive assistance first. onset of armed conflict or during other situations principles, and taking care not to submit information about local contexts and the other criterion. Movement depend on adherence by all to
helping and protecting others regardless • Impartiality: Decisions must be made of violence. to any interference or pressure. most appropriate way to help people the Fundamental Principles.
of who they are or what they have done. on a “needs only” basis and must not be • The Movement’s components should in need.
• The Movement protects life and health influenced by personal considerations be permitted to conduct independent • Through its volunteers, the National
by promoting international humanitarian or feelings. assessments and to talk freely with people Societies are rooted in local communities
law, preventing disaster and disease, and in need of assistance. and help to strengthen and empower
undertaking life-saving activities, from first them.
aid to the provision of food and shelter.