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United States of America

The ICRC's delegation for the USA and Canada works to promote and ensure respect for the rules of war and facilitates ICRC operations worldwide through dialogue with the US and Canadian government, civic society, and military and diplomatic officials. We also visit detainees held at Guantanamo Bay and raise awareness of the ICRC’s humanitarian mandate.

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ICRC delegates deliver a Red Cross message to a detainee.

Our work in the United States of America and Canada

The ICRC opened its regional delegation for the United States and Canada in 1995. The delegation, based in Washington DC, also maintains a small office in Ottawa, Canada. We engage in confidential and bilateral dialogue with the US and Canadian authorities regarding the protection of civilians and detainees. We visit detainees held at Guantanamo Bay and provide essential family links services to those being held there. The ICRC highlights global humanitarian concerns with the authorities in the executive and legislative branches, their respective militaries, and the general public. 

In addition, we work with the American Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross to heighten awareness of and respect for international humanitarian law and the humanitarian work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Quote from our head of delegation

Patrick Hamilton, the ICRC's head of delegation in the United States and Canada.

After more than 20 years, we see that the more time passes for Guantanamo Bay detainees, the more they and their families suffer. The humanitarian rationale for enabling those to leave who are cleared to do so is obvious, and all the more so for those whose departures have been delayed for so long.

Patrick Hamilton the ICRC's head of delegation in the United States and Canada

Contact us

Address

Washington Delegation, 1100 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite #500, Washington, DC, 20036

Telephone

(+1) 202 587 46 00

Opening Hours:

9am – 5pm

Write to us

Media contact

Mr GLASS Thomas

Mobile

(+1) 202 361 1566
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Our work with the American Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross

The ICRC and the American Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross work together in the United States and Canada to promote knowledge and understanding of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the importance of international humanitarian law. As members of the Movement, the ICRC, the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross share the Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. This common bond unites the organizations in their respective missions to serve people in need.

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