In 2002, the Federation accelerated its plans to reduce discrimination and violence in the community stressing respect for the Fundamental Principles.

National Societies are separated from one another by thousands of kilometres and hundreds of cultures and languages. Yet, every Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteer and member is motivated by the same seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

A culture of peace
Continued violence in 2002 has demonstrated the fragility of the principle of humanity.

Racism, stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS, xenophobia and prejudice pose clear threats to the values at the heart of the Red Cross Red Crescent's work.

During 2002, the Federation developed its global-local action to reduce discrimination and violence in the community, which involves a multifaceted and coordinated approach at community levels. This has involved the development of a From Principles to Action training programme.

Best practices were identified and shared during the European regional conference in April, showing that National Societies run a variety of inspiring activities.

In North and central Africa, anti-discri-mination programmes focused on issues of ethnicity, and particularly on how stigmatization can spring from high levels of poverty.

In the Gulf states, a regional initiative was linked with the vulnerability and capacity assessment process. One issue addressed was population reintegration in Yemen, following the country's reunification in the 1990s.

In Latin America, the Stop violence campaign in Guatemala focused on social and economical disparity, on political and social violence and on the specific problems of indigenous people.

In central Asia, one of the main approaches was to give direct support to minorities, such as migrants.