The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Key facts

Information: This article sets out the history and key aims of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (aka the 'Red Cross'). Due to its traditional use of a red cross emblem many people mistakenly believe this to be a Christian organisation, when it is actually a politically neutral and non-religious international humanitarian organisation.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a politically neutral and non-religious international humanitarian organisation, which provides assistance without discrimination to people around the world regardless of their nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.

'We strive, through voluntary action, for a world of empowered communities, better able to address human suffering and crises with hope, respect for dignity and a concern for equity.' (Who we are: Our vision and mission, www.ifrc.org)

The seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality

The work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is directed and coordinated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is an impartial, neutral and independent organisation.

The headquarters of the ICRC are in Geneva, Switzerland. It has over 12,000 staff in 80 countries around the world.

The Red Cross organisation traces its origins back to 1859, when a young Swiss businessman Henry Dunant witnessed the aftermath of the Austro-Sardinian war whilst traveling through Italy on business. Seeing 40,000 men left dead and dying on the battlefield after only one day's fighting, Henry abandoned the original intentions of his trip and spent several days caring for the wounded instead.

On his return to Geneva, Henry advocated the need for a voluntary national relief organisation to help wounded soldiers during times of war. He also called for the development of international treaties to ensure that those caring for wounded soldiers on battlefields and in field hospitals, would remain neutral and protected when doing so.

Henry Dunant was eventually forced to declare himself bankrupt, due to his ceaseless work on behalf of the Red Cross.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) began in 1863, when five men (including Henry Dunant) set up the (originally named) International Committee for Relief to the Wounded.

The international standards of humanitarian codes of conduct as established by the ICRC, are enshrined in the Geneva Conventions. As of April 2008, 194 countries have agreed to be bound by these conventions.

The 'Red Cross' is often mistakenly believed to be a Christian organisation, largely because it uses a red cross emblem. However, this symbol was chosen simply because it was associated with the flag of Switzerland.

Something to think about: Why do you think the first symbol of the movement is a variation on the Swiss flag?

During its war against Russia (1877-78), the Ottoman Empire (now known as the Republic of Turkey) used the symbol of a crescent to mark its ambulances (whilst at the same time respecting the Red Cross of other nations).

Something to think about: Why would the rulers of the Ottoman Empire be unhappy about using a cross emblem on their ambulances, and why use a crescent symbol instead?

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Although the cross and the crescent are symbols associated with Christianity and Islam respectively, when used by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies they have no religious, cultural or political connotations attached to them.

The Red Cross and the Red Crescent symbols from which the movement derives its name

The two symbols - Red Cross and the Red Crescent - from which the movement derives its name. This picture is of the two symbols outside the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva (Source: Wikipedia)

Red Crescent and Red Cross workers in northern Lebanon (Image copyright Matt Dunham, 2007)

Red Crescent and Red Cross workers in northern Lebanon (Image copyright Matt Dunham, 2007)

Due to the negative religious and political connotations often associated with the cross and the crescent emblems, societies may use alternative symbols if they believe their ability to help victims is being undermined, or where the safety and welfare of their humanitarian and medical personnel is being compromised.

In December 2005 a Red Crystal emblem was endorsed and recognised as a distinctive sign of the movement, along with the red cross and red crescent. This symbol was chosen because it was believed to be free from any religious, political or other connotation. The agreement to use this symbol is acknowledged in the Geneva Conventions, under Protocol III.

The Red Crystal emblem of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

The Red Crystal emblem of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Source: Wikipedia)

As of April 2008, there were 186 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world.

National Societies work alongside and support (in an independent capacity) the public authorities and governments in their own countries, as they work towards humanitarian goals.

National Societies are made up of volunteers and staff, and their work largely consists of disaster relief, helping victims of war, development projects, health and community care, and restoring family links.

'Red Cross Red Crescent promotes individual and community humanitarian values which encourage respect for other human beings and a willingness to work together to find solutions to problems.' (What we do, www.ifrc.org)

As of April 2008, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are working towards achieving the following humanitarian goals:

  • Reduce the number of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters.
  • Reduce the number of deaths, illnesses and impact from diseases and public health emergencies.
  • Increase local community, civil society and Red Cross Red Crescent capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability.
  • Promote respect for diversity and human dignity, and reduce intolerance, discrimination and social exclusion.

'The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a global humanitarian organization, which coordinates and directs international assistance following natural and man-made disasters in non-conflict situations. Its mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.' (Who we are: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, www.ifrc.org)

Further information