International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
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Principles and values





The power of humanity

The power of humanity was chosen in May 1999 as the slogan for Red Cross Red Crescent activities worldwide.

During Red Cross Red Crescent millennium year - which ran from 8 May 1999 to 8 May 2000 - hundreds of events, seminars, competitions, exhibitions, publications and programmes were carried out and promoted by National Societies under this banner.

 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
Other organizations have different forms of power. The military have the power of the gun, media magnates have the power of the written word and of images beamed around the world in seconds. Religious institutions have the power of belief, parliaments have the power of politics, corporations and financial institutions have the power of money.

The Red Cross Red Crescent has the power of people, or in other words the power of humanity. Ultimately it is people that matter - it is only people who can make a difference in our shared future.

Weapons are dangerous, but it is ultimately the people behind the weapons that cause the damage. Our ability as an organization is to reach out across borders and divides, and work to create a climate in which people are more willing to resolve differences through discussion than they are to resolve differences through violence.

Individuals of all religions share a common belief and compassion for their fellow human beings. Our speciality is to motivate and train people to work within the Red Cross or Red Crescent in their local communities, nationally and internationally so they can assist vulnerable people, irrespective of their race or beliefs.

Money and politics are hugely influential. Our credibility relies on our being able to raise adequate funds, operate independently and deliver services and assistance to people in need. Respect and relationships need to be built over a long period of time, so that trust remains even when governments change and corporations grow and merge.

The media bring events into focus. Our visibility is dependent not only on being in the right place at the right time to assist those in need, but also on a wider understanding of the nature of our organisation. Our humanitarian message depends on volunteers and staff being professional and passionate about their work and for promoting their activities.

Red Cross Red Crescent: the power of humanity, is:
  • Our capacity to bring out the best in people and to nurture their latent willingness to work together to help others, making this willingness a powerful force, not a latent one. The willingness of Red Cross Red Crescent volunteer and staff to commit time and energy to create solutions and deliver services - this is the power of humanity.

  • Our capacity to be an organized channel for those who recognise that when there is so much talk about human rights, there is also the need to accept a certain responsibility. Touching people with our ideas and persuading them that they too wish to make a commitment - this is the power of humanity.

  • Our capacity to be a willing partner. Cooperating with organizations and people who share a common concern for those most in need, and who recognise the need to work together to achieving common solutions - this is the power of humanity.
All components of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement used the power of humanity slogan to promote their activities until 2004, when the new slogan Protecting Human Dignity was adopted at the International Conference.