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Fundamental Principles As members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
the American Red Cross and other national societies have a key role in upholding
and abiding by the seven Fundamental Principles.
- Humanity: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,
born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on
the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent
and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect
life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual
understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
- Impartiality: It makes no discrimination as to nationality,
race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve
the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give
priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
- Neutrality: In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of
all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in
controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
- Independence: The Movement is independent. The National Societies,
while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject
to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy
so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles
of the Movement.
- Voluntary service: It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted
in any manner by desire for gain.
- Unity: There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society
in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian
work throughout its territory.
- Universality: The International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities
and duties in helping each other, is worldwide
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