International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, known colloquially as the International Red Cross, is the name given to a humanitarian movement that operates throughout the world and that differs from others of the same style by a series of particular and unique characteristics within its gender, such as its particular relationship with the countries which is established based on international conventions, as well as with international organizations, with merely humanitarian objectives. This was founded on February 17, 1863 through an initiative of the Swiss Henry Dunant. The Red Cross is made up of three organizations, firstly the International Committee of the Red Cross, then the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and finally the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies..
Since its inception in the mid-nineteenth century, the Red Cross has had the sole objective of offering protection and assistance to victims left behind by conflicts and armed confrontations around the world. This objective can be achieved through the direct performance of various activities throughout the planet, as well as through the promotion of the development of international humanitarian law (IHL) and the promotion of respect for this branch of law on the part of the states and all those who carry weapons.
Regarding the principles it defends, the following can be mentioned:
- Humanity, that is to say that it must provide assistance in confrontations, disasters, etc., in order to thus be able to alleviate the suffering of those affected by such events.
- It must protect health and life and promote friendship and cooperation between countries.
- Impartiality, there should be no distinction during the performance of their work. Attend everyone without exceptions.
- Neutrality must never participate or choose sides in hostilities and conflicts of any kind.
- Independence, the Red Cross is independent from any power.
- Volunteering all those people who make it up are volunteers.
- Unity, within each country there must be only one Red Cross which will be accessible to all citizens and which must extend all its actions throughout the country.
