Humanitarian
values
Because of its special status and its
millions of volunteers and members all across the world, the
Red Cross Red Crescent is in an ideal position to promote
tolerance and humanitarian values - the values which encourage
respect for the human being.
Several instances of violence in the early part of the 21st
century have demonstrated the vulnerability of the principle
of humanity. Factors such as racism in western Europe, discrimination
against refugees and asylum seekers, and stigmatisation of
people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide illustrate the constant
threat to the values at the heart of the Red Cross Red Crescent's
work.
The Red Cross Red Crescent continues
to rise to the challenge of seeing beyond the different labels
that divide the people of the world. Using the Fundamental
Principles to influence people's behaviour, the Movement is
championing the individual and community values that encourage
respect for others and a willingness to work together to find
solutions. This process of community bridge building is crucial
contibution to social and political harmony.
The Red Cross Red Crescent has always been guided by humanitarian
values, however, it was not until the publication of "Strategy
2010" in the year 2000, that the promotion of Humanitarian
Values was clearly stated as being part of the core areas
of work for the Federation and its member National Societies.
This document described humanitarian values as "the individual
and community values which encourage respect for other human
beings" and which "shape humanitarian action". It also emphasised
that the purpose of this core area was to "influence behaviour",
not simply to increase knowledge and understanding.
Since 2001, the main focus of the Federation's activities
in the promotion of humanitarian values has been on Reducing
Discrimination. This tighter focus was based on a wide ranging
review of statutory
meetings, National
Societies' activities and academic
research that showed reducing discrimination to be the
common thread that joined all National Societies together
in this potentially very wide area. More
information about the way in which the Federation and its
member National Societies are working within the “Reducing
Discrimination Initiative” is available on this
website. The overview and more detailed description of the anual appeal outlines recent achievement
and future priorities for the Initiative.
One other key area that the International Federation is exploring
in the area of Humanitarian Values is the relevance and similarities
with human rights concepts and ideas. A set of Frequently
Asked Questions based on research carried out by the Federation
secretariat is available here.
The Federation's secretariat in Geneva
has also been exploring whether human rights norms and concepts
can usefully inform and improve its relief and development
work. Please contact the Principles
and Values department for more information on this research
process.
By carrying out such activities, building partnerships and
through getting response to appeals, the global network of
the Red Cross Red Crescent seeks to raise awareness, influence
public debate and behaviour in the community. It also aims
to promote national and international laws that offer greater
protection to vulnerable people. This is just one practical
expression of the mission statement of the International Federation:
"to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the
power of humanity".
See also:
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Principles and values
