The ICRC's mission and the circumstances in which it acts require that its staff constantly adopt an attitude reflecting the principles promoted by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, first and foremost those of humanity and impartiality. ICRC staff must conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion, in their professional, private and social lives. The least misstep on their part is picked up and magnified by their environment, and can have serious consequences for many people.

Codes of conduct

ICRC staff, in particular expatriates, must take care never to shock the people with whom - or for whom - they are working. They must be respectful of local customs. Their sensitivity to the environment will ensure that their presence and activities are accepted. The concept of appropriate conduct varies with the context. Each ICRC delegation has a code of conduct that every delegation member is bound to respect. Failure to follow the rules is penalized, and can result in dismissal in the case of serious misconduct.

In contexts marked by distress, the integrity of ICRC staff must be irreproachable. They must take care not to use their function - or the means made available to them by the organization - for personal ends. Any abuse of power or authority, for the purpose of obtaining a personal advantage of any kind, is severely penalized.

Lastly, ICRC staff are obliged to comply with the criminal legislation of the country in which they are working, and expatriates with Swiss legislation. Any unlawful act will result in dismissal.