International Red
Cross Principles
Humanity
The Red Cross, born of a desire to
bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield,
endeavors - in its international and national capacity - to prevent and
alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect
life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes
mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and stable peace amongst
all peoples.
Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationality,
race, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions. It endeavors only
to relieve suffering, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the
confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage
at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious, or ideological
nature.
Independence
The Red Cross is independent. The
national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their
governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must
always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to
act in accordance with Red Cross principles.
Voluntary Service
The Red Cross is a voluntary relief
organization not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
Unity
There can be only one Red Cross society
in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian
work throughout its territory.
Universality
The Red Cross is a world-wide institution
in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities
and duties in helping each other.
