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
Protecting Human Dignity Logo

Protecting Human Dignity

“Protecting human dignity” was chosen in 2003 as the theme and overall goal of the International Conference, and as the slogan for Red Cross Red Crescent activities worldwide, in response to the increasing threats to human dignity.

The conference, its declaration and the Agenda for Humanitarian Action which it endorsed, focused on two main ways of contributing to the protection of human dignity: enhancing respect for the relevant laws and reducing the vulnerability of populations to the effects of armed conflicts, disasters and diseases.

Put simply, “protecting human dignity” is about promoting respect for each and every human being, in a spirit of solidarity, irrespective of their origins, beliefs, religions, status or gender. The declaration highlighted specific commitments undertaken by the participants of the conference (components of the Movement and States) – namely:

 

  
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
1. reaffirming and applying the principles and rules of international humanitarian law (IHL),
2. increasing respect for humanitarian principles and values,
3. to promoting tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for diversity among all peoples

All three of these are directly relevant to the core area of Promotion of the Movement’s Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values. The first commitment is related to both “Principles” and “Values” – while the seven Fundamental Principles can be seen as expressing the essence of International Humanitarian Law, the concept of “humanitarian values” captures the spirit that led to the creation of this body of law.

The second commitment is a simple and clear endorsement of the need for increased respect for humanitarian principles and values. The third is directly linked to the current area of focus of the Federation’s work in the promotion of humanitarian values – reducing discrimination. Since 2001, the Federation has been promoting the Reducing Discrimination initiative, working with National Societies in various ways to find ways to tackle discrimination in all its forms. Click here for more information about this initiative.

The declaration itself can also be seen as an expression of the Fundamental Principles. Echoing the principle of humanity, it calls on States and components of the Movement to protect the dignity and prevent suffering and distress to civilians and combatants by upholding international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law.

Following from the principle of impartiality, States party to the Geneva Conventions and components of the Movement resolved to work together to reduce the disproportionate risk faced by vulnerable people towards the effects of disasters and infectious diseases.

Lastly, in response to the increasing attacks on humanitarian workers, the declaration reaffirms the responsibility of States to respect the Movement’s adherence to all of its Fundamental Principles, “in order to provide impartial, neutral and independent protection and assistance for all those most in need”, and the responsibility of the Movement to cooperate with States.

The protection of human dignity is a central point around which many distinct but complementary factors are joined. These include the Fundamental Principles, humanitarian values, international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law; they also include the International Conference itself, and the humanitarian activities of those who attend it.

The specific threats to human dignity tackled in the Agenda for Humanitarian Action represent some of the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing the world today. By working together, the combined efforts and influence of these factors above will lead to greater protection against these threats.