The effectiveness and success of ICRC action depends on the establishment of a relationship of trust with the authorities and the people in the country. Trust guarantees direct and lasting access to the victims of the conflict. It makes humanitarian activities more readily acceptable and heightens their credibility.

In order to establish that relationship of trust, the ICRC has chosen a working method based on discretion. The rule of discretion, which is strictly defined, consists in the reserved attitude that the ICRC adopts in its public communications. The organization refrains, for example, from talking about what its staff observe in the field. The ICRC is authorized to work in certain contexts precisely because it has pledged to observe discretion. Discretion is an essential part of its operations.

Respect for the pledge of discretion is one of the conditions of working for the ICRC. Everyone must consider himself or herself bound by that pledge, which is akin to one of professional secrecy. The pledge of discretion extends beyond the end of the employer-employee relationship with the ICRC.