Red Cross

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is an international humanitarian movement which started to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for the human being, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering, without any discrimination based on nationality, race, sex, religious beliefs, class, or political opinions. The often-heard term International Red Cross is actually a misnomer, as no official organization as such exists bearing that name. In reality, the movement consists of several distinct organizations that are legally independent from each other, but are united within the Movement through common basic principles, objectives, symbols, statutes, and governing organs.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has a permanent mandate under international law to take impartial action for prisoners, the wounded and sick, and civilians affected by conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The International...