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IFRC & RCS
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
This umbrella term refers to all the national and international organizations allowed to use the Red Cross or Red Crescent emblem and all the activities they undertake to relieve human suffering throughout the world. The International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the national societies of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are the components of the movement. Nevertheless they are independent organizations. Each has its own individual status and exercises no authority over the others. The International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement is one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world with a presence and activities in almost every country. It is unified and guided by seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. All Red Cross and Red Crescent activities have one central purpose: to help those who suffer, without discrimination, whether it is during conflict, in response to natural or man-made disasters, or to alleviate the suffering brought by conditions of chronic poverty.
The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
These are the individual societies of nearly every independent country in the world. Chartered, as they must be, by their respective governments, they provide a range of services including disaster relief, health and social programs, and assistance to people affected by war within their own borders and cooperate with other national societies bilaterally, regionally, and through the Federation and the ICRC on relief and development projects. They also assist their own governments in carrying out each nation's humanitarian treaty obligations. Each country is allowed to charter only one Red Cross or Red Crescent society within its territory. Together, the National Societies have 97 million members and volunteers and assist some 233 million beneficiaries each year. The promotion of humanitarian values is an intrinsic part of all Red Cross and Red Crescent activities. They also promote awareness of international humanitarian law and advocate internationally through the Federation and with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
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