ICRC personnel perform their humanitarian mission within a specific framework for action, consisting of:

• international humanitarian law (the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols);

• the Fundamental Principles and the Statues of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

This framework provides a reference basis. It constitutes one of the characteristics of the ICRC and sets it apart from other humanitarian organizations. It entails special responsibilities for ICRC staff.

The complexity of situations

ICRC staff work in complex, difficult and sometimes dangerous contexts. To act, they must have a thorough understanding of the situation and what is at stake. They must have a professional approach in all circumstances.

The environment they work in encompasses numerous sectors of society: civilians, governmental and non-governmental authorities, armed forces and groups, humanitarian organizations, members of the international community, and so on. ICRC staff must be open and able to talk with the people they come in contact with, without compromising respect for the law or the principles underpinning their work.

Respect for people

ICRC staff work constantly to promote respect for human beings and their dignity, in all their activities, at all times and in all circumstances. They abstain from any discrimination based on origin, race, ethnic group, sex, birth, wealth, religion or belief, political or other opinion, or any other consideration related to the individual.