International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

A global humanitarian network comprising the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.

International Committee of the Red Cross: An independent humanitarian organization mandated to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other violence. It leads the Movement’s work in armed conflict and promotes international humanitarian law.
Seville Agreement: A 1997 agreement assigning coordinating roles among Movement components during international operations. It sets a framework for coordination when several components respond together.
Henry Dunant: A Swiss humanitarian whose account of the Battle of Solferino helped inspire the Red Cross movement. His proposal for organized wartime relief sparked the Movement’s founding.
Disaster response: Organized actions to protect people and meet urgent needs before, during, and after disasters. National societies and the Federation mobilize volunteers and aid in emergencies.
International humanitarian law compliance: The implementation and observance of legal obligations governing conduct during armed conflict. The Movement’s advocacy and field work seek to strengthen respect for these rules.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: A membership organization that coordinates and supports national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, especially in disasters and health emergencies. It connects national societies and coordinates international disaster response.
Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: The governing statutes defining the Movement’s components, principles, and institutional relationships. They establish how the Movement’s organizations relate and meet.
Battle of Solferino: An 1859 battle in northern Italy that left thousands of wounded soldiers without adequate care. The suffering Dunant witnessed there prompted his campaign for organized relief.
Disaster risk reduction: Policies and actions that prevent new disaster risks and reduce existing ones. National societies support communities in reducing vulnerability before crises occur.
Protecting Power: A neutral state appointed to safeguard the interests of a party to an armed conflict and its nationals in enemy territory. When no Protecting Power is available, the ICRC may undertake related humanitarian activities.

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