The international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

The international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world. Neutral and impartial, it gives protection and assistance to communities affected by disasters and conflicts.

The Movement includes three main components :

• The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
• The 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

In close partnership, the various members of the Movement help vulnerable communities become stronger and safer thanks to very diverse development projects and humanitarian programmes. The Movement also acts in cooperation with governments, investors and other organizations helping vulnerable people throughout the world.

The Movement has its own web site which contains detailed sections on its history, the matter of the emblem, the international Conference and the Red Cross/Red Crescent magazine on line.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent national Societies personify the work and the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 188 countries. They act as assistants to the public authorities in their own country. They provide a series of services that include rescue in case of disasters as well as social and sanitary programmes. In war times, the national Societies assist the civil populations affected and support the army’s medical services when the conditions are met.