THE MISSION
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led
by volunteers and guided by
its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles
of the International Red
Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters
and help people prevent,
prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
All actions carried out by the International Red Cross
and Red Crescent Movement are guided
by the Fundamental Principles. The Fundamental Principles
are generally regarded as the
moral authority under which we and the International Red
Cross Movement operate. The
Fundamental Principles are as follows:
• HUMANITY
– The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
born of a desire
to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded
on the battlefield, endeavors, in its
international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate
human suffering wherever it may
be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and
to ensure respect for the human being.
It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation
and lasting peace amongst all
peoples.
• IMPARTIALITY
– It makes no discrimination as to nationality,
race, religious beliefs, class
or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering
of individuals, being guided solely by
their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases
of distress.
• NEUTRALITY
– In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of
all, the Movement may not
take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies
of a political, racial, religious or
ideological nature.
• INDEPENDENCE
– The Movement is independent. The National Societies,
while
auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments
and subject to the laws of their
respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy
so that they may be able at all
times to act in accordance with the principles of the
Movement.
• VOLUNTARY
SERVICE – It is a voluntary
relief movement not prompted in any manner
by desire for gain.
• UNITY
– There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent
Society in any one
country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its
humanitarian work throughout its territory.
• UNIVERSALITY
– The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
in which all
Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities
and duties in helping each other,
is worldwide.
