About who we are
-
The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization. We have a mandate to help and protect people affected by armed conflict and other violence or – as our mission statement puts it – “other situations of violence”. By “other violence” or “other situations of violence” we mean violence that has not reached the threshold of an armed conflict but is carried out by large groups and has consequences in humanitarian terms. This mandate was given to us by States through the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols of 1977 and 2005 and the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement of 1986. Our mandate and legal status sets us apart from both intergovernmental organisations (such as the specialized agencies of the United Nations) and non-governmental organisations. This status allows us to function independently of governments and to serve, with complete impartiality, the people most in need of protection and assistance.
-
The ICRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which also comprises 189 National Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The ICRC works closely with the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Federation to ensure a concerted, efficient and rapid response to conflict or violence. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world.
-
Our mission is to protect the lives and dignity of those affected by armed conflict and to provide them with assistance, such as food and clean water, health care and shelter. We also work to prevent and alleviate the suffering of those affected by other situations of violence, such as internal disturbances and tensions.
-
We promote humanitarian values and principles through our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts. We work to raise awareness about the impact of armed conflicts on civilians, advocate for the rights and protection of vulnerable people, and foster respect for international humanitarian law among states, armed groups and other relevant actors. We also engage in dialogue and cooperation with governments and non-state actors to promote the integration of humanitarian principles into policy and practice.
-
Neutrality is a fundamental principle that guides our work. It means that the ICRC maintains a neutral stance and that we do not take sides in armed conflicts or political disputes. This is how we are able to provide humanitarian assistance to people who need help at the front line.
-
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) brings together professionals from diverse nationalities, cultures, religious traditions and life experiences. Our team includes engineers, medical practitioners, lawyers, interpreters, former military or police personnel, NGO workers and many others. What unites them is a shared motivation to serve people affected by armed conflict or violence, and a deep commitment to the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence.
Our work is guided by the fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Cresent Movement (humanity, independence, impartiality, neutrality) and key values (impact, compassion, respect and collaboration). These principles and values shape not only how we operate, but the conduct expected of every team member. By bringing together individuals with varied professional expertise and cultural perspectives, the ICRC strengthens its ability to engage effectively with all involved in a given conflict, secure access to affected populations and deliver critical assistance where it is needed most.
To ensure that staff are fully prepared to uphold humanitarian principles, the ICRC applies rigorous screening and recruitment processes. These assess not only professional skills and experience, but also each candidate’s ability to demonstrate neutrality and impartiality in both conduct and perception.
Once recruited, all ICRC staff are bound by our Code of Conduct. This includes at all times maintaining impartiality, refraining from favoring any side in a conflict, avoiding public commentary on political or military matters, and abstaining from any form of discriminatory behavior. Where ICRC staff may engage with individuals connected to armed forces or armed groups as part of their duties, these interactions are conducted solely to fulfill ICRC’s humanitarian mission. Such engagements are essential for providing assistance to those in need. These high standards of conduct are fundamental in ensuring the organization's ability to operate effectively in some of the world's most challenging and complex environments.
All ICRC staff also carry a duty of confidentiality, which prohibits them from disclosing any information they encounter during their professional activities to third parties. This obligation to confidentiality extends beyond the end of their employment with the ICRC.
By upholding these strict standards of conduct, the ICRC maintains the trust of all parties involved in a conflict, and with it, the ability to operate effectively in the world’s most dangerous and volatile situations.