Three components and seven principles hold the Red Cross and Red Crescent network together

Background

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is described by its own members as the largest humanitarian network in the world. It has three components: the ICRC, in full the International Committee of the Red Cross; the National Societies, each of them a Red Cross or a Red Crescent Society; and the IFRC, which federates those societies. Seven Fundamental Principles bind them: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. Neutrality means the Movement does not take sides in hostilities. Impartiality means it makes no distinction as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions, and gives priority to the most urgent cases of distress. Unity allows a country only one such society, which must be open to all and must work across the whole territory. The ICRC itself is neutral, impartial and independent, and runs offices in over 90 countries.