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The American Red Cross works with a global network of
Red Cross, Red Crescent and equivalent societies to
restore hope and dignity to the world's vulnerable people.
This international Red Cross movement brings emergency
relief to disaster victims, and improves basic living
conditions of those in deprived areas of the world.
Virtually all independent countries in the world have
their own national Red Cross societies. In Islamic countries
they are called Red Crescent societies and in Israel
the Red Cross is known as Magen David Adom. Each society
is chartered by its own government to conduct programs
in the fields of health, welfare and safety.
The American Red Cross works with these societies to
provide help during times of natural disaster, as well
as assisting war refugees. International Social Services
volunteers help locate missing loved ones, and bridge
the communication gap to make health and welfare inquiries
in times of emergency.
http://www.icrc.org
Fundamental
Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement
Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
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 lasting peace amongst all peoples.
Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious
beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to
relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely
by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent
cases of distress.
Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the
Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at
any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious
or ideological nature.
Independence
The Movement 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 the principles
of the Movement.
Voluntary
Service
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any
manner by desire for gain.
Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society
in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry
on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
in which all Societies have equal status and share equal
responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is
worldwide.
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