| The International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
The International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement is the world's largest
humanitarian network. The Movement
is neutral and impartial, and provides protection
and assistance to people affected by
disasters and conflicts.
The Movement is made up of almost
97 million volunteers, supporters, and staff
in 186 countries. It has three main components:
- The International Committee of the Red
Cross (ICRC)
-
The International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies
-
186 member Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies
As partners, the different members of the
Movement support communities in becoming
stronger and safer through a variety of
development projects and humanitarian activities.
The Movement also works in cooperation
with governments, donors and other aid
organizations to assist vulnerable people
around the world.
The Movement has its own web site, with detailed sections on the history of the Movement, the emblem issue, the International Conference, and Red Cross Red Crescent magazine online.
The Strategy
for the Movement (Update 2005) was adopted in 2001 and aims
to strengthen the Movement's ability to reach vulnerable people
with effective humanitarian action. It outlines objectives and expected
results as to how the ICRC, the Federation and National Societies
worldwide can all work together. It is available
online (PDF file, 2.8 Mb, 34 pages).
Setting the humanitarian agenda |
The different Movement partners meet regularly
to discuss common issues and share
best practices.
Every four years, the different members
of the Movement hold talks with representatives
of the states party to the Geneva
Conventions at the International Conference
of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. The Conference is the Movement's highest
deliberative body and offers an opportunity
to examine cross-cutting priorities and
challenges.
The Standing Commission serves as the
trustee of the conference and offers strategic
guidance to the Movement between meetings.
It also promotes coordination between Movement partners, furthers the implementation
of conference resolutions and examines
issues of concern to the whole
Movement.
In addition to the International Conference,
two other important meetings take place
every two years: the General Assembly,
which is made up of delegates from all member
National Societies, and the Council of
Delegates, which brings together National
Societies, the International Federation and
the ICRC.
The assembly determines the general
policies of the International Federation, while
the council adopts resolutions on Movement
action and advocacy. |
The
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial,
neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian
mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and
internal violence and to provide them with assistance.
During situations of conflict, the ICRC is responsible for directing and
coordinating the Movement's international relief activities. It also promotes
the importance of international humanitarian law and draws attention to
universal humanitarian principles. As the custodian of the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has a permanent
mandate under international law to visit prisons, organize relief operations,
reunite separated families and undertake other humanitarian activities during
armed conflicts.
The ICRC also works to meet the needs of internally displaced persons,
raise public awareness of the dangers of mines and explosive remnants of war
and trace people who have gone missing during conflicts.
The ICRC's headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland, and the organization
has more than 12,000 staff in 80 countries around the globe. About 30
per cent of the ICRC's operational activities are carried out in cooperation
with National Societies.
The International Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a global humanitarian organization, which
coordinates and directs international assistance following natural and man-made
disasters in non-conflict situations. Its mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable
people by mobilizing the power of humanity.
The International Federation works with National Societies in responding to
catastrophes around the world. Its relief operations are combined with development
work, including disaster preparedness programmes, health and care activities, and the
promotion of humanitarian values. In particular, it supports programmes on risk reduction and fighting the spread
of diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis, avian influenza and malaria. The
organization also works to combat discrimination and violence, and promote human
rights and assistance for migrants.
These activities form part of the International Federation's Global Agenda.
Its goals:
- Reduce the number of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters.
- Reduce the number of deaths, illnesses and impact from diseases and public health emergencies.
- Increase local community, civil society and Red Cross Red Crescent
capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability.
- Promote respect for diversity and human dignity, and reduce intolerance,
discrimination and social exclusion.
National Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies embody the work and principles of the International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 186 countries. National Societies
act as auxiliaries to the public authorities of their own countries
in the humanitarian field and provide a range of services including
disaster relief, health and social programmes. During wartime, National
Societies assist the affected civilian population and support the
army medical services where appropriate.
The ICRC, the Federation and the National Societies are independent
bodies. Each has its own individual status and exercises no authority
over the others.
More information :
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement at a glance (PDF document, 784 Kb, 8 pages)
Arabic version (PDF document 445 Kb, 2 pages)

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