Concept in Definition ABC

The Red Cross is one of the most recognized humanitarian and assistance movements in the world and also the one that has shown the greatest presence every time humanity demands it..

International humanitarian movement that intervenes to assist victims of war and other catastrophes

Also designated as Movement International Red Cross and Red Crescent, the Red Cross, as we simply call it, is made up of three organizations, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent and National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, that although they preserve their autonomy, they always act interrelated and respecting the essential principles and foundations that the movement has promoted since its inception.

Organizations that comprise it: structure and functions

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) plays a key role in promoting the international right humanitarian and therefore has created a specialized advisory service in this regard in order to provide a service effective on this issue to the nations that demand it, implementing all the laws in force on these issues as sensitive.

Objective and impartial

It enjoys absolute objectivity and impartiality, that is, it is neutral, no question is involved politics In its actions, this is very important to emphasize, it is only driven by its humanitarian mission, protecting life and dignity of the victims of war or any other type of problem that affects their integrity, is not interested in the ideology held by neither they nor the countries in which they must intervene.

Its headquarters are located in Switzerland and when a conflict It is responsible for directing and coordinating the relief action of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

It is organized and managed through the following components:

An assembly made up of Swiss citizens ranging from 15 to 25 members, and is the highest authority, embodied in its President, who at the moment, and since 2012, is the diplomat Peter Maurer, who is also a member of the board directive of Forum World Economic and belongs to the Party Socialist Swiss.

He has a long career in diplomacy, having served as Swiss Ambassador to the United Nations.

Then we find the Council of the Assembly, which is composed of five members elected by the Assembly and the president of the ICRC; it takes care of the Assembly sessions and acts as a link between the Assembly and another of the organs such as the Board of Directors.

For its part, the Board of Directors is an executive body in charge of specifying the decisions that are take in the assembly and it is made up of the general director and three other directors appointed by the Assembly.

The statutes of the body establish that all positions must be filled by Swiss citizens, without exceptions.

Details of its creation in the 19th century

Its foundation came to fruition 150 years ago, on February 17, 1863, and it was the Swiss businessman and philanthropist Jean Henri Dunant who laid the fundamental foundations of the movement moved especially by the horror that the contemplate the warlike confrontation of Solferino, after which the affected soldiers died without receiving help.

Dunant asked the residents for collaboration and together they assisted the badly wounded.

Principles that he upholds

The principles that the organization raises are: humanity (to assist in confrontations, disasters, to alleviate suffering. Protect health and life and promote friendship and cooperation among nations), impartiality (He makes no distinction of any kind in his work. Assists everyone without exceptions), neutrality (never participates or takes part in hostilities and conflicts of any kind), independence (the movement is independent of any power), volunteering (the people who make it up are volunteers), Unit (in each nation there will be a single Red Cross that will be accessible to all citizens and that must extend its action to the entire nation), universality (All societies will have the same rights and must help each other).

In all the countries of the world it is common to see the Red Cross intervening in disaster situations, anticipating them and promoting health services such as: blood donation campaigns, social and psychological support and offering transfer services, among others.

The day of Jean Henri Dunant's death was established as the World Red Cross Day.

A red cross, a red crescent and a red crystal are its best known emblems.

In June 2012 the organization was distinguished with the Prince of Asturias Award in the International Cooperation category.

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