International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement consists of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation), and the 181 national Red Cross or Red Crescent societies currently recognized by the ICRC and admitted as full members of the Federation. All of these organizations are legally independent from each other, but are united within the movement through common basic principles, objectives, symbols, statutes, and governing organs.

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The International Committee of the Red Cross has a membership of a maximum of 25 Swiss citizens and is the only institution explicitly named under international humanitarian law (IHL) as a controlling authority. Like the Holy See and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, it is a rare example of a non-governmental sovereign entity. Its sole humanitarian mission, based on the principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence, is the protection of the life and dignity of the victims of international and internal armed conflicts.

Related Topics:
Holy See - Sovereign Military Order of Malta - Neutrality

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The main task of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is to coordinate cooperation between different national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies within the movement. On the international level, the federation leads and organizes, in close cooperation with the national societies, relief assistance missions responding to large-scale emergencies.

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National Red Cross and Red Crescent societies exist in nearly every country in the world. Each entity works in its home country according to the principles of international humanitarian law and the statutes of the International Movement. Depending on their specific circumstances and capacities, national societies can take on additional humanitarian tasks that are not directly defined by international humanitarian law or the mandates of the International Movement. See the list of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to find information about a particular national society.

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The term "International Red Cross" and the respective acronym "IRC" is actually a misnomer, as no official organization exists bearing that name. Furthermore, the use of this label can result in confusion regarding the distinction between the ICRC and the Federation, potentially adversely politicizing its efforts.

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