The seven Fundamental Principles
Proclaimed in Vienna in 1965, the seven Fundamental Principles bond together the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. They guarantee the continuity of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and its humanitarian work.
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 among 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.
The aim is to influence the behaviour of the people we work with, through a better understanding of the Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values. The three main target groups are those working within Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies, public and private authorities, and members of the communities where we work.
The main priorities for this area of work are:
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Developing a better understanding internally.Initiatives have been developed to ensure that Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers and staff understand and act on the basis of the Fundamental Principles in their work with vulnerable people in times of peace, disaster or armed conflict. Training includes: the legal and ideological basis of the Red Cross Red Crescent, decision-making processes and mandates as well as communications and relations with others
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Raising awareness of public and private authorities.Ensuring that partner authorities understand how Red Cross Red Crescent works will facilitate better cooperation. Informing these groups about operational procedures, National Societies' auxiliary status, and the need to respect the emblem, for example, are all important elements in building good working partnerships.
Influencing behavior in the community.
By applying these principles and values in our work with communities and vulnerable groups, we can show their importance. Based on experience and operational capacity, Red Cross Red Crescent can be a catalyst for change and make a difference in the way people behave towards each other. The following are values that the Movement has formally stated it believes to be of importance for external promotion:
- the protection of life, health and human dignity;
- respect for the human being;
- non-discrimination on the basis of nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class or political opinions;
- mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace among people;
- service by volunteers.
