International Committee of the Red Cross

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a humanitarian organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. Established in 1863, it is a three-time Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a founding entity of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The ICRC operates under the mandate provided by the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which are widely ratified international treaties.

🌍 Mission & Mandate

The ICRC’s mission is to protect and assist individuals affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. Its core activities include:

• Humanitarian Assistance: Providing essential services such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare to those impacted by conflict.
• Protection of Dignity: Safeguarding the rights and dignity of victims, including prisoners, detainees, and civilians.
• Promotion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Advocating for the respect and implementation of IHL to minimize human suffering during conflicts.

The ICRC is committed to neutrality, impartiality, and independence, allowing it to operate in various conflict zones where other organizations might face restrictions.

🧭 Fundamental Principles

The ICRC adheres to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement:

1. Humanity: Alleviating human suffering wherever it may be found.
2. Impartiality: Providing assistance without discrimination.
3. Neutrality: Not taking sides in hostilities or engaging in controversies.
4. Independence: Maintaining autonomy to act according to humanitarian needs.
5. Voluntary Service: Offering services without any desire for gain.
6. Unity: Operating as a single Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in each country.
7. Universality: Being a worldwide network of humanitarian organizations.

🏥 Operations & Impact

The ICRC operates in over 90 countries, responding to various humanitarian crises. Its activities include:

• Emergency Relief: Delivering aid during and after conflicts.
• Health Services: Running hospitals and providing medical care.
• Family Reunification: Assisting in locating and reconnecting separated family members.
• Advocacy: Engaging with governments and armed groups to ensure compliance with IHL.

🏢 Governance

The ICRC is governed by an Assembly, an Assembly Council, and a Directorate. The Assembly comprises up to 25 co-opted members of Swiss nationality and is chaired by the President, who is assisted by the Vice-President. The current President of the ICRC is Mirjana Spoljaric, who has been serving since October 2022.