Who we are

About the International Committee of the Red Cross

The ICRC, established in 1863, works worldwide to provide humanitarian help for people affected by conflict and armed violence and to promote the laws that protect victims of war. An independent and neutral organization, its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, it employs some 12,000 people in 80 countries; it is financed mainly by voluntary donations from governments and from national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. Read full overview

Selected Topics All Who we are

The mandate and mission of the ICRC

The work of the ICRC is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols, its Statutes – and those of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – and the resolutions of the International Conferences of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world. Its mission is to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies. It is present in every country and supported by millions of volunteers.
History of the ICRC

Since its creation in 1863, the ICRC's sole objective has been to ensure protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and strife. It does so through its direct action around the world, as well as by encouraging the development of international humanitarian law (IHL) and promoting respect for it by governments and all weapon bearers.

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Working for the ICRC

This brochure explains some of the jobs you could be doing with the ICRC. It includes useful links to the ICRC on Facebook, YouTube and other sites. And a whole chapter is devoted to the benefits the ICRC offers its employees.
ICRC strategy 2011-2014: achieving significant results for people in need

The Institutional Strategy 2011-2014 will guide the work of the ICRC over the coming four years.