International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
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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.
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