About Us
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 disaster and help people
prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
FUNDAMENTAL
PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS & RED
CRESCENT MOVEMENT
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-- There can be only one Red
Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It
must be
UNITY -- There can be
only one Red Cross or 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.
