The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is composed of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (185), the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies embody the work and principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 179 countries. National Societies act as auxiliaries to the public authorities of their own countries in the humanitarian field and provide a range of services including disaster relief, health and social programmes. During wartime, National Societies assist the affected civilian population and support the army medical services where appropriate.

The International Committee of the Red Cross

The International Committee of the Red Cross is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. It directs and coordinates the international relief activities conducted by the Movement in situations of conflict. It also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles. Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies works on the basis of the Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to inspire, facilitate and promote all humanitarian activities carried out by its member National Societies to improve the situation of the most vulnerable people. Founded in 1919, the Federation directs and coordinates international assistance of the Movement to victims of natural and technological disasters, to refugees and in health emergencies. It acts as the official representative of its member Societies in the international field. It promotes cooperation between National Societies and works to strengthen their capacity to carry out effective disaster preparedness, health and social programs.

The Movement's mission is to prevent or alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found, to protect life and health, to ensure respect for human dignity (in particular in times of armed conflict and other emergencies), to work for the prevention of disease and the promotion of health and social welfare, to encourage voluntary service and a constant readiness to help and, finally, to foster a universal sense of solidarity towards all those in need of the Movement's protection and assistance. In pursuing its mission, the Movement is guided by its Fundamental Principles, which are: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

The bodies of the Movement are:

• The International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent
• The Council of Delegates of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• The Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

The International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent includes delegations from: the National Societies; the ICRC; the Federation; and States party to the Geneva Conventions, at present numbering 188. Normally it is held every four years. Each of these delegations shall have a single vote.

The Council of Delegates includes delegations from: the National Societies; the ICRC; and the International Federation. The Council of Delegates is the meeting of the components of the Movement. It meets on the occasion of each International Conference and, in principle, on the occasion of each General Assembly of the Federation.

The Standing Commission consists of nine members: five members elected by the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent; two representatives from the ICRC, one of whom shall be the President; two representatives from the International Federation, one of whom shall be the President. In general it meets every six months.

This umbrella term refers to all the national and international organizations allowed to use the Red Cross or Red Crescent emblem and all the activities they undertake to relieve human suffering throughout the world. The International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement is one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world with a presence and activities in almost every country. It is unified and guided by seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. All Red Cross and Red Crescent activities have one central purpose: to help those who suffer, without discrimination whether it be during conflict, in response to natural or man-made disasters, or to alleviate the suffering brought by conditions of chronic poverty.