International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, commonly known as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is the world's largest humanitarian network dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering during armed conflicts, natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other humanitarian crises. Founded in 1863 following the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Movement operates in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, as well as the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Headquartered through its constituent international institutions in Geneva, Switzerland, the Movement is guided by the seven Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, which underpin its humanitarian activities worldwide.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement consists of three independent but complementary components: the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the recognized National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies operating in individual countries. The ICRC is responsible for humanitarian activities in situations of armed conflict and for promoting international humanitarian law, while the IFRC coordinates international disaster response, health programmes, and development assistance among National Societies. National Societies provide humanitarian services within their respective countries, including emergency response, first aid, disaster preparedness, blood donation programmes, public health initiatives, community resilience, and support for vulnerable populations.

The Movement undertakes a broad range of humanitarian activities, including emergency relief, medical assistance, disaster risk reduction, refugee and migrant support, restoration of family links, humanitarian diplomacy, public health programmes, climate adaptation, epidemic response, and capacity-building. It also promotes respect for international humanitarian law, strengthens community resilience, and supports governments in disaster preparedness and emergency response. Through its global volunteer network, humanitarian partnerships, and operational presence in nearly every country, the Movement responds to conflicts, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and other humanitarian emergencies while maintaining political neutrality and independence.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement works closely with institutions including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and national governments. Through humanitarian assistance, disaster response, health services, and the promotion of international humanitarian law, the Movement plays a central role in protecting human life, health, and dignity during emergencies and advancing humanitarian action worldwide.