Principles and Rules for
Red Cross and Red Crescent
Humanitarian Assistancewww.ifrc.org
Saving lives, changing minds.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network,
reaching 150 million people each year through our 187 member National Societies. Together, we act before, during and after disasters
and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives ofvulnerable people. We do so with impartiality as to nationality, race,
gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. For more information, please visit www.ifrc.org.

© International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, 2013
Any part of this document may be cited, copied, translated into other languages oradapted to meet local needs without prior permission from the International Federation of
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, provided that the source is clearly stated. Requests
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Principles and Rules for Red Cross and
Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance
1263500 10/2013 E 250

Principles and Rules for
Red Cross and Red Crescent
Humanitarian Assistance
Adopted by the XXI International Conference of the Red Cross (Istanbul, 1969) –Revised by the XXII, XXIII, XXIV, XXV and XXVI International Conferences,
Tehran (1973), Bucharest (1977), Manila (1981), Geneva (1986, 1995 noted)1

2 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian AssistancePreamble
The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (National Societies), the International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies (International Federation2) and theInternational Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) together
constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement. They form a worldwide humanitarian movement whose mission is:“to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may befound, to protect life and health and ensure respect for the humanbeing, in particular in times of armed conflict and other emergencies, to work for the prevention of disease and for the promotionof health and social welfare, to encourage voluntary service andconstant readiness to give help by the members of the Movement,
and a universal sense of solidarity towards all those in need of its
protection and assistance.” 3

National Societies provide humanitarian assistance to people who are vulnerable in their territories in situations ofdisaster, crisis and conflict. National Societies act in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the Movement(Fundamental Principles) and are auxiliaries to the publicauthorities in their humanitarian work.
To make best use of their collective capacities and to extend
their operational reach, National Societies support eachother in their humanitarian activities and contribute to eachother’s’ development.
As per the Federation’s Constitution, the National Societies
have created the International Federation to, among otherfunctions, “act as permanent body of liaison, co-ordinationand study among National Societies”, “assist National Societies in risk reduction, disaster preparedness, in the organizationof their relief actions and the relief operations themselves” aswell as “bring relief by all available means to all disaster-affected persons” and “organize, coordinate and direct internationalrelief actions” in accordance with these Principles and Rules.

1

This document replaces the Principles and rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent disaster relief, as endorsed by Decision 26 of the 1995 General Assembly.

2

The International Federation as used in this document refers to the International Federation as “the corporate body” created under its Constitution, which is comprisedof its governance bodies (the General Assembly, the Governing Board, and the President) and the Secretary General supported by the secretariat.

3

Statutes of the Movement.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

These Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent
Humanitarian Assistance govern National Societies andtheir International Federation in international humanitarianassistance (excluding armed conflict, internal strife and theirdirect results).
These Principles and Rules recognize the importance ofstrengthening organizational, coordination and delivery capacities of National Societies, to respond to the increasing
number and complexity of disasters and the growing number of vulnerable people. They call for greater collective
learning, adaptation, innovation and leadership to ensurethat the Movement achieves greater humanitarian impact.
These Principles and Rules encompass preparedness forresponse, disaster relief and early recovery activities. They
complement commitments to disaster risk reduction andseek to encourage National Societies to link relief, recovery
and development. They establish a coordinated and agreed
approach to quality and accountability, and recognize partnerships with public authorities, humanitarian actors andother organizations external to the Movement.
These Principles and Rules are adopted within the statutory
framework of the Movement.

3

These Principles and Rules are adopted by member National
Societies and their International Federation and will be presented to the International Conference of the Red Cross and
Red Crescent in 2015. They shall be a part of the future Movement-wide coordination and cooperation framework.

4 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian AssistancePrinciples
1. We, the National Societies and the International Federation, consider that all persons affected by disasters areentitled to receive assistance, consistent with their needs
and priorities.

7. We are each other’s primary and preferred partners. We
pursue operational partnerships with external actors– consistent with our Fundamental Principles – to further
increase operational reach, scale and effectiveness.

2. We respect the dignity of all people affected by disasters,
including their meaningful involvement in decisions that
affect their lives and livelihoods.

8. We ensure that our assistance is well coordinated among
ourselves and with relevant external actors.

3. We commit to protect people affected by disasters, particularly those made vulnerable by any form of discrimination.

9. We ensure that our assistance is appropriate, efficient, effective, and accountable, and we support the transition
from relief to recovery for disaster affected people.

4. We have the duty to bring humanitarian assistance tothose in need. We partner with states, which have the primary responsibility to meet the needs of disaster-affected
people in their countries.

10. We provide international assistance that builds upon local capacities and complements local response mechanisms, contributing to preparedness for possible futuredisasters and strengthening long-term resilience.

5. We advocate on behalf of people at risk and affected bydisasters for increased action to address their vulnerabilities and unmet humanitarian needs.
6. We increase and expand our assistance through mobilising our network. We commit that all international assistance provided by a National Society or the International
Federation is with the consent of the National Society ofthe disaster-affected country.

Our assistance adheres to the Movement’s Fundamental
Principles: it is based on humanity, respects impartiality,
neutrality, and independence, is in conformity with unity
and universality and builds upon voluntary service.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

5

Rules between and among National
Societies and the International
Federation

1

NATIONAL SOCIETIES RECEIVING INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

f. Building necessary volunteer, staff and organizational capacity to provide timely disaster response;andg. Building necessary organizational capacity to receive and account for international assistance.
1.3

National Societies shall strive to continuously strengthen their auxiliary role to the public authorities in thehumanitarian field, including through establishingclear roles and mandates as set out in applicable legislation, policies and plans.

1.4.

National Societies shall encourage and support therelevant public authorities to review and develop legislation, policies and plans for disaster management,
including by using the Guidelines for the domestic facilitation and regulation of international disaster relief and initialrecovery assistance (IDRL Guidelines) to strengthen theiroverall legal, policy or institutional frameworks to both
regulate and facilitate disaster assistance.

(A) Preparedness:
1.1

1.2

National Societies shall maintain an adequate level of
preparedness to provide their own timely and effective
humanitarian assistance in times of disaster, which reduces the vulnerabilities of people at risk.
Preparedness measures may include but should not belimited to:a. Risk, vulnerability, capacity and market assessments;
b. Development of contingency plans and processes
with stakeholders;c. Monitoring and using regional and national hazard
forecasts for early warning and early action;d. Conducting and concluding pre-disaster meetings
and agreements;e. Convening and participating in simulation exerciseswith relevant partners;

1.5. Key outcomes of preparedness measures, including
relevant agreements and cooperation arrangements
concluded, should be shared with the International
Federation.

6 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistancepartners, in a timely manner, appropriate scale or inaccordance with applicable standards.

(B) Requests for assistance:
1.6

National Societies may ask the International Federation to provide or facilitate international assistanceprior to an imminent disaster on the basis of reliable
scientific forecasts and early warning information.

1.7

National Societies shall inform the International Federation of any sudden or slow-onset disaster for whichinternational assistance may be required and provide,
as soon as possible, relevant information including:a. The nature of the disaster, estimated extent of human and physical impact, and the likely future development of the situation;b. Any preliminary assessment of needs and the immediate priorities for assistance;c. Actions taken thus far by the National Society andits partners;d. Actions taken by public authorities or other actors;
ande. All requests for international humanitarian assistance.

1.8

National Societies through the International Federation shall call for Red Cross Red Crescent assistance
where the humanitarian consequences of a disastercannot be met by its resources or those of domestic

1.9

When international assistance is sought to respond tothe humanitarian needs of people affected by disaster,
the National Society should request from the International Federation the following support as necessary:a. Immediate financial support from the International
Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund;b. The launch of an Emergency Appeal on behalf of the
National Society;c. Request the deployment of global/regional disaster
response tools;
d. Request technical, managerial or additional coordination support.

1.10 The National Society may also request bilateral assistance from National Societies in accordance with established frameworks for coordination agreed with theInternational Federation.
1.11 When international humanitarian assistance is not
requested but such assistance is accepted by the National Society, the National Society shall establish aframework to receive, coordinate, account and reportfor such assistance with the support of the International Federation as needed.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

7(C) Coordinated and principled response:
1.12 The National Society, together with the International
Federation and its partners shall define the strategic
objectives for Red Cross Red Crescent international humanitarian assistance.

c. Priorities of the government and activities of otheractors in country;
d. Any operational or institutional concerns or risks,
including plans for using unspent funds; ande. Emerging gaps in resources and operational capacities.

1.13 The National Society shall work with the International
Federation to ensure that international Red Cross Red
Crescent assistance is effectively coordinated between
and among Movement and non-Movement actors at
both strategic and technical levels.

1.17 The National Society shall work with the International
Federation and other National Societies to ensure appropriate security frameworks are in place for the protection of staff and volunteers and their safe access todisaster-affected areas and people.

1.14 The National Society may offer to assist its public authorities with the overall coordination of international
humanitarian assistance coming into the country.

1.18 The National Society shall work with the International
Federation to ensure the necessary and appropriate legal base for Red Cross Red Crescent humanitarian assistance.

1.15 The National Society shall ensure systems, procedures
and appropriate processes are in place to be able to account for and report regularly on the funds and in-kindresources received and expenditures it incurs.
1.16 The National Society shall share information throughestablished Movement coordination systems on thefollowing:a. Results of on-going needs and risks assessments;b. Progress against operational plans and capacity
strengthening;

1.19 The National Society with the International Federation
shall facilitate the timely access of Red Cross Red Crescent goods and personnel into the country as agreed
with public authorities.
1.20 In disasters affecting the border areas of neighbouring countries the concerned National Societies shallensure continuous exchange of information between
themselves either directly or through the International
Federation and, where relevant, collaborate to improve8 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistancec. Conclude pre-disaster agreements on the provisionof humanitarian assistance and cooperation, andshare these with the Movement partners throughthe International Federation;d. Ensure the pre-positioning of relevant relief stocks
and surge capacities;
e. Support the coordinated development of the global, regional and national disaster response mechanisms and surge capacity tools;
f. Regularly monitor hazard information to guideplanning and to alert partners on potential upcoming humanitarian assistance needs; andg. Ensure adequate training and preparation for response staff and volunteers.

access to disaster-affected people or improve the quality of humanitarian assistance provided.
1.21 If a National Society receives goods it has neither solicited, nor agreed to receive or which are of unsuitable
quality, it is free to use or dispose of them at its discretion. All costs incurred by the National Society in receiving or disposing of any unsolicited goods shall beborne by the sending National Society. (ref 2.4.)
1.22 National Societies shall seek to allocate adequate resources to prepare for potential secondary disasters
and reduce disaster risks during the response.

2

NATIONAL SOCIETIES providing
INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE(A) Preparedness:
2.1

In order to ensure efficient and coordinated international assistance, National Societies shall work together
with the International Federation to, where applicable:
a. Participate in coordinated assessment and contingency planning processes and simulation exercises;b. Support National Societies in their engagement withpublic authorities, as requested;(B) Responding to requests:
2.2

National Societies shall provide humanitarian assistance in another country only with the consent of the
National Society in the disaster-affected country.

2.3

All assistance must respond to the humanitarian needs
and priorities as identified by the requesting National
Society with the support of the International Federation, and follow applicable coordination mechanisms.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

2.4

2.5

2.6

The sending National Society is responsible for all costs
incurred by the National Society in receiving or disposing of any goods which it has not solicited, agreed toreceive, or has judged to be of unsuitable quality. (ref1.21)
National Societies shall prioritise Red Cross Red Crescent channels when providing international humanitarian assistance. Non-Movement channels of assistance (including donations to non-Movement partners)
shall only be used when agreed with the National Society in the affected country. National Societies will inform the International Federation.
When global/regional disaster response mechanisms
and surge capacity tools are deployed, initial assistanceshould be channelled through them and must be coordinated with these mechanisms and tools to ensure
operational efficiency and effectiveness.

(C) Coordinated and principled response:
2.7

National Societies providing agreed international assistance shall inform the receiving National Society andthe International Federation in advance of all cash andin-kind goods and personnel that they intend to send.
They shall also provide all relevant supporting docu-

9ments to the receiving National Society or International Federation in advance for timely clearance frompublic authorities.
2.8

When global or regional surge capacity tools are requested and subsequently deployed, the responding
National Societies and the International Federation
shall provide a detailed description of the tools to be deployed, in-country support required and the initial deployment timeframe, to the receiving National Society.

2.9

Where National Societies have agreed operational
partnerships with external actors they shall coordinate with the National Society in the disaster affected
country and other relevant Movement components toensure common standards and coherent approaches tohumanitarian assistance.

2.10 If National Societies wish to transfer relief stocks which
are reserved for an International Federation operation,
they may do so only with the prior agreement of theInternational Federation.
2.11 National Societies providing assistance shall seek toallocate adequate resources to improve disaster preparedness and reduce disaster risks when responding
to disasters.

10 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance2.12. National Societies shall share timely information on
their assistance with the receiving National Society
and the International Federation.

3

operating environments and compatible with national
response mechanisms.
3.4

The International Federation shall monitor hazard information and disseminate relevant warnings to National Societies and promote and share information on
key disaster preparedness efforts, initiatives and goodpractices at national, regional and global levels.

3.5

The International Federation shall ensure that globallyconsistent policies, rules, standards, tools and procedures relevant to disaster response are developed, disseminated and updated, as well as promoting their use
in local contexts.

the INTERNATIONAL federation(A) Preparedness:
3.1

The International Federation shall support National
Societies in their efforts to reduce the vulnerabilities
of disaster-prone people and improve their resilience todisasters.

3.2

The International Federation shall promote and support the strengthening of National Societies’ capacities
to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster
response.

3.3

4

The International Federation, supported by the National Societies, shall maintain and develop global andregional multilateral disaster response mechanisms
and surge capacity tools4 that are relevant to changing(B) Responding to requests:
3.6

When the International Federation receives a request forinternational assistance from a National Society, it may:a. Provide support from the Disaster Relief Emergency
Fund;b. Launch an Emergency Appeal covering the Federation-wide disaster response;

Global and regional response mechanisms and surge tools include but are not limited to: Disaster Management Information System (DMIS), Disaster Relief Emergency
Fund (DREF), Early Recovery Surge Team (FERST), Emergency Appeal (EA), Emergency Response Units (ERUs), Field Assessment and Coordination Teams (FACT),
Heads of Operations (HEOps), Household Economic Security (HES) team, Regional Disaster Response Teams / Regional Intervention Teams (RDRT/RIT), Restoring
Family Links (RFL) pool, Shelter Technical Team (STT), and Shelter Coordination Team (SCT).

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

c. Deploy global and regional disaster response mechanisms and surge capacity tools;
d. Provide support for the preparation of emergency
plans of action;e. Provide or facilitate the provision of other services
requested by the National Society;f. Perform its role as set out in any pre-disaster agreement; and/or
g. Propose other international assistance mechanisms
as may be relevant to the specific context.
3.7

3.8

Where the National Society does not intend to request international humanitarian assistance, the International Federation may, in consultation with theaffected National Society, send representatives to thedisaster-affected country to gather information andassist the National Society in its response.
Where the International Federation considers that a
National Society has not requested international assistance adequate to the scale and impact of the disaster, the International Federation shall make its
concerns known to the National Society and propose
appropriate action to be taken in order to respond tothe humanitarian needs of the affected people.

11(C) Coordinated and principled response:
3.9

The International Federation shall organize, coordinate
and direct international Red Cross Red Crescent humanitarian assistance.

3.10 The International Federation is responsible for ensuring that coordination of international Red Cross Red
Crescent assistance occurs at the strategic and operational levels and ensures that a consolidated operational plan is developed.
3.11 The International Federation shall encourage and facilitate operational consortia and other forms of alliancesamong National Societies which support coordinatedand efficient action.
3.12 The International Federation shall support and promote regional responses as appropriate through regional programming approaches, tools and funding
mechanisms.
3.13 As the official representative of the National Societies
in the international field, the International Federation
shall ensure the representation and coordination withinternational and regional humanitarian organizations.
The International Federation may temporarily delegateinternational representation roles to National Societies.

12 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance

3.14 The International Federation shall provide the direction and management over any deployed global andregional surge capacity tools agreed with the receiving
National Society. The International Federation may assume any other direct operational role as agreed with
the National Society in the disaster-affected country.
3.15 The International Federation shall seek to ensure that
global humanitarian diplomacy approaches to disaster
response are strategic and coordinated with other Movement components in the interest of addressing the key
humanitarian concerns of the disaster-affected people.
3.16 In the context of international humanitarian assistance, the International Federation shall work with the
National Society in the affected country to promote
and protect its organizational objectives and interests.
3.17 The International Federation will disseminate relevant
operational information, including plans of action, appeal coverage, the status of expenditures and commitments, activities undertaken, unmet needs, and potential operational and reputational risks.
3.18 The International Federation, in agreement with theconcerned National Societies shall ensure that realtime evaluations are commissioned for major response
operations and reviews and evaluations are carried out

for other operations, on behalf of all operational partners, and that their findings, recommendations andagreed action points are disseminated and followed up.
3.19 The International Federation shall work with the National Society in the disaster-affected country and therelevant public authorities to ensure compliance withnational law, a facilitated legal environment, and common services for responding National Societies.
3.20 The International Federation shall seek to ensure that
adequate resources are mobilised to improve disaster
preparedness and reduce disaster risks when responding to disasters.

4

relief to recovery

4.1

National Societies shall ensure that disaster-affected
communities are involved in planning and decision
making regarding relief and recovery programming.

4.2

National Societies and the International Federation
shall develop responsible transition and handoverstrategies based on the needs and priorities of disasteraffected people, available funding and local capacities.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

To ensure appropriate and timely relief and recovery
programming National Societies should:
a. Assess recovery needs and commence planningwithin the immediate response;b. Engage in participatory planning with affected communities and other relevant actors; andc. Ensure that a multi-sectorial relief and recovery
strategy is developed and implemented fosteringcommunity driven recovery, and addressing crosscutting issues, such as gender, violence prevention
and environmental sustainability.

5

13

quality of international humanitarian assistance byensuring the implementation of the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response (theSphere Project) and other relevant standards in all humanitarian assistance operations.
5.3

Beneficiary engagement:
5.4

National Societies and the International Federationconsider themselves as accountable to disaster-affected people and shall involve them in needs assessment
and decision-making to ensure that assistance is appropriate and meets their needs and priorities.

5.5

National Societies and the International Federation
shall work to put in place transparent communication,
feedback and complaints mechanisms which invite disaster affected people to share concerns regarding theassistance provided. The National Societies and the International Federation shall ensure appropriate follow
up on feedback.

quality and accountability

Standards:
5.1

National Societies and the International Federation undertake to work in compliance with the Code of Conduct
for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
and Non-Governmental Organizations in Disaster Relief andwith the Code for Good Partnership of the International Red
Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

5.2

National Societies and the International Federation
shall work to continuously improve the efficiency and

All assistance should seek to minimise any potentiallyharmful social and economic impacts of assistance(“do no harm”), as well as take account of international
environmental standards.

14 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance

Planning, monitoring, evaluation, andreporting:
5.6

5.7

National Societies and the International Federation
shall put in place mechanisms for timely and effective
needs assessment, planning, monitoring, evaluation
and reporting. This may include building the capacityof staff and volunteers to undertake:a. Rapid and detailed needs, damage and loss assessment;b. Assessment of the capacities within the communities to respond and provide assistance;c. Assessment of the impact of the disaster on local
markets and social capital;d. Primary and secondary data analysis, and consideration of cross-cutting issues relevant to the context;e. Strategic and operational planning; andf. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities.
National Societies and the International Federation
shall utilize participatory approaches to planning,monitoring, evaluation and learning. They shall ensurethat good practices and evaluation reports are disseminated and agreed recommendations are acted upon.

5.8

In all disaster response operations where international
Red Cross Red Crescent assistance is provided, National Societies and the International Federation shall cooperate to ensure Federation-wide planning, monitoring and reporting in order to provide a comprehensive
picture of the entirety of the assistance provided.

Staff and volunteer management:
5.9

National Societies and the International Federation
shall seek to employ staff and volunteers with appropriate technical qualifications and relevant skills andensure access to relevant training and support for thetasks assigned to them. They shall be required to commit to staff codes of conduct ensuring appropriate
standards of behaviour.

5.10 National Societies and the International Federation
shall have appropriate procedures and tools to guidestaff and volunteers in addressing the specific risks associated with working with children and other vulnerable people.
5.11 National Societies and the International Federation
shall ensure that staff and volunteers involved in disaster response are aware of safety and security risks
and are appropriately insured.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Resource management:
5.12 National Societies and the International Federation
shall mobilise resources for humanitarian assistanceaccording to the scale of need and ensure that they areappropriate to, and used for, their intended purposes.
Resources shall only be mobilised in the territory of another National Society with the prior agreement of that
National Society.
5.13 National Societies shall maintain sound resource management practices according to their national laws.
The National Societies and the International Federation shall apply internationally approved accounting
practices that are consistent and transparent to ensure
efficient use of all resources.
5.14 National Societies shall cooperate with the International Federation to use and develop joint operational
support systems and shared service platforms for effective use of resources and better service delivery.
5.15 National Societies and the International Federation
shall strive to negotiate donor agreements which areconsistent with Federation standards where applicable
and which have realistic outcomes and deliverables forthe operational context and capacities.

15

5.16 When changes must be made to operational plans or
donor agreements to better respond to the changing
needs of the disaster-affected people, the National Societies or the International Federation shall communicate these changes to concerned donors and otherstakeholders in a timely manner.
5.17 National Societies and the International Federation
shall meet all donor requirements to which they haveagreed, including timely production of accurate and coherent financial and narrative reporting.
5.18 Relief funds or goods that are surplus to relief needs
shall be used for recovery activities related to the same
operation or for disaster preparedness and risk reduction activities as agreed with the donors.

Risk management and audit:
5.19 Funds received for an operation, whether directlyfrom donors or from the International Federation,
shall be subject to external audits. These audits shallbe commissioned by the relevant donors, the International Federation or the National Societies receiving
funds. The relevant parts of such annual audit reports
and written reports on actions taken in response toaudit recommendations shall be shared with the16 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian AssistanceInternational Federation and National Societies providing assistance.
5.20 National Societies and the International Federation
shall systematically identify, evaluate and mitigate any
potential operational and reputational risks related to
the receipt or provision of international humanitarianassistance.
5.21 National Societies and the International Federation
shall put in place systems and procedures, including
adequate control and oversight mechanisms, codes ofconduct, policies and training, to prevent acts of fraud
or corruption.
5.22 When fraud or corruption is suspected, necessary action shall be promptly taken. Allegations will be investigated and follow-up action taken as necessary.
National Societies and the International Federation
shall facilitate and cooperate as needed in each other’s investigations and ensure timely and appropriate
information sharing and disclosure to relevant stakeholders.

6relations with public authorities

Public authorities and civil protection:
6.1

National Societies, in their role as auxiliaries to their
public authorities in the humanitarian field, supplement and support them in fulfilling their humanitarian
responsibilities. They benefit from a specific and uniquepartnership which involves responsibility and mutual
benefits based on national and international law.

6.2

When working with their public authorities, including
civil protection mechanisms, in providing international
humanitarian assistance, National Societies shall apply the following rules:
a. Assets or resources may be loaned or deployed tooperations, provided such deployment would not
weaken the Movement’s capacity to respond.
b. The emblems of the Movement and their designations, according to the Geneva Conventions andtheir Additional Protocols or the National Society’s
name or logo shall only be used in such international deployments if:• The National Society retains the full control oversuch assets and resources;International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

17

rable civilian alternatives, and the use of military assets is necessary to meet a critical humanitarian need.
In addition, any use of military assets by a National
Society providing international humanitarian assistance must be approved by the National Society in thedisaster-affected country (in consultation with its public authorities) and the International Federation must
be informed.

• Such use is agreed by the National Society in thedisaster-affected country and the International
Federation; and• The use of the emblems is not considered a risk
to the perceived independence and neutrality of
the Red Cross Red Crescent response, nor a potential threat to safety, security or access of any
staff or volunteers.

Civil military coordination:
6.3

National Societies shall maintain a dialogue and interact with military bodies in their own countries, including disseminating knowledge on the Fundamental
Principles, international humanitarian law as well as
the mandates and the activities of the National Societies and the International Federation making a distinction between the respective roles of the military bodies
and of the Movement components.

6.4

All components of the Movement observe and apply
the Movement Guidance document on relations between thecomponents of the Movement and military bodies (2005).

6.5

Military assets shall only be used in disaster responseby the National Societies and the International Federation as a last resort, meaning that there are no compa-

6.6

Any interactions with military forces must respect theFundamental Principles and consider the potential impact on the security of beneficiaries of humanitarianassistance and on other components of the Movementthat might be operating either in the country or region.
Therefore:a. National Societies providing international assistance should take special care in terms of any interactions with their own military present in thedisaster or crisis affected country, to preserve theiractual and perceived independence, neutrality andimpartiality.
b. National Societies and the International Federation
may not use armed protection or escorts except as
set forth by the Council of Delegates.
c. Armed military transport should never be used.

18 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance7

7.4

relations with external actors

Humanitarian agencies and otherorganisations:
7.1

7.2

7.3

National Societies and the International Federation
shall engage in a coordinated manner with humanitarian agencies and other actors which seek to strengthen
overall coordination, quality and efficiency of humanitarian assistance.
When considering establishing an operational partnership with an external actor, the National Society
should ensure that such partnerships shall not weaken the response capacity of the National Society or
the image and reputation of any component of theMovement operating in the country. Guidance may besought from the International Federation, prior to entering into such partnerships.
National Societies may appeal for funding through United Nations’ funding mechanisms for activities in theirown countries only provided that they can adhere to theFundamental Principles and rules and regulations of theMovement and the International Federation.

The International Federation may annex its Emergency
Appeals to United Nations’ funding mechanisms to
inform the wider humanitarian community of the International Federation’s humanitarian activities with afocus on collaboration and coordination.

Private sector:
7.5

National Societies and the International Federation
shall enter into partnerships with private sector actorsthat have respect for the Movement’s humanitarianvalues, have a positive image, and a track record of good
ethical behaviour. Due diligence must be performed on
all private sector partnerships when the emblems of
the Movement and their designations are used.

7.6

National Societies and the International Federation
shall not accept donations from sources which risk
the image or reputation of any component of theMovement.

7.7

Volunteers from corporate partners may only be used
in international humanitarian assistance if they aretrained for the tasks assigned, adequately insured, andplaced under the full management and control of thesending National Society or National Society of the af-

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

fected country. The National Society of the affected
country must approve the deployment and the International Federation must be informed.

Media and communications:
7.8

National Societies and the International Federation
shall respect the dignity of affected people in theircommunications. They shall seek to use public andsocial media to draw attention to unmet needs andrights of people affected by and vulnerable to disasters and to strengthen dialogue with those affected bydisasters.

7.9

National Societies and the International Federation
shall seek a coordinated approach to media highlighting the role and priorities of the National Society of
the affected country and agreed advocacy positions
around key issues.

7.10 National Societies and the International Federation
shall strive to improve public knowledge of any disaster or emergency situation within 24 hours of a declared disaster, as long as this does not impede theefficient conduct of the response operation.

19

7.11 When facilitating field trips to the affected area formedia organisations or publishing content featuring
the affected area, the International Federation andany participating National Societies shall first consult
the National Society in the affected country.

20 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance8

final provisions

8.1

The use of the names and emblems of the Movement,
as protected by law, shall, at all times, conform to Regulations on the use of Emblems of the Red Cross or
Red Crescent by National Societies (IC 1965, revised
CoD 1991).

8.2

These Principles and Rules are binding on the National
Societies and the International Federation. Any violations or other reputational and operational risks shallbe reported to the appropriate governance mechanism.

8.3

National Societies and the International Federation
shall ensure that their personnel, volunteers and partners are aware of the content of these Principles andRules and are equipped with the necessary skills andtraining to comply with them.

8.4

The need for potential review or amendment of these
Principles and Rules shall be formally considered every
four years.

8.5

Any dispute between National Societies, or between
National Societies and the International Federation,
related to these Principles and Rules that cannot be re-solved by the parties shall be addressed to the International Federation’s compliance and mediation committee, unless otherwise agreed by the disputing parties.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

21

ANNEX A
Reference documents relevant to the implementation of the Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian
Assistance.
STATUTORY TEXTSConstitution of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, GA 1987,
amended 1991, revised and adopted 1999 and 2007
Statutes and Rules of procedure of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, IC
1986, amended 1995 and 2006
The Fundamental Principles, IC 1965, revised and adopted 1986

INTERNATIONALCONFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief, IC 1994

INTERNATIONALCONFERENCERESOLUTIONS

Furthering the auxiliary role: Partnership for stronger National Societies and volunteeringdevelopment, IC 2011, Resolution 4
Guidelines for the domestic facilitation and regulation of international disaster relief and initialrecovery assistance – IDRL Guidelines, IC 2007
Regulations on the Use of the Emblem of the Red Cross or the Red Crescent by the National
Societies, IC 1965, revised CoD 1991
Report on the implementation of Resolution 2 – Specific Nature of the International Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement in action and partnerships and the role of National Societies as auxiliaries
to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, IC 2011

22 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance

INTERNATIONALCONFERENCERESOLUTIONSSpecific nature of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in action andpartnerships and the role of National Societies as auxiliaries to the public authorities in thehumanitarian field, IC 2007, Resolution 2
Together for Humanity, IC 2007, Resolution 1

MOVEMENT DOCUMENTS

Agreement on the Organization of the International Activities of the Components of the International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – The Seville Agreement, CoD 1997

COUNCIL OF DELEGATESRESOLUTIONS

Code for Good Partnership of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, CoD 2009
Minimum elements to be included in operational agreements between Movement components andtheir external operational partners, 2003
Movement components’ relations with external humanitarian actors, CoD 2011, Resolution 2 andbackground report
Movement policy for Corporate Sector Partnerships, CoD 2005, Resolution 10
Restoring Family Links Strategy (and Implementation Plan) for the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement (2008-2018), CoD 2007, Resolution 4
Relations between the components of the Movement and military bodies, CoD 2005, Resolution 7,
Annex
Report on the Use of Armed Protection for Humanitarian Assistance, CoD 1995, Resolution 9
Strategy for the Movement, CoD 2009, Resolution 2

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

23

COUNCIL OF DELEGATESRESOLUTIONS

Supplementary Measures to Enhance the Implementation of the Seville Agreement - Supplementary
Measures, CoD 2005, Resolution 8, Annex

IFRC POLICIESDisaster Preparedness policy, GA 1999
Emergency Response Policy, GA 1997
Essential Drugs and Medical Supplies policy, GA 1999
First Aid policy, GB 2007
Food Security and Nutrition Policy, GB 2003
Gender Policy, GA 1999
Fraud and corruption prevention and control policy
Fund-raising Policy, GA 1997
Health Policy, GA 2005
HIV/AIDS Policy, GB 2002
Humanitarian Diplomacy Policy, GA 2009
Integrating relief, rehabilitation and development policy, GA 1991
Integrity Policy, GA 2009

24 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance

IFRC POLICIESMigration Policy, GA 2009
Post Emergency and Rehabilitation Policy, GA 1999
Volunteering Policy, GA 2011
Water and Sanitation Policy, GB 2003
Youth Policy, GA 2011

movement PROCEDURESAND GUIDELINES

Civil Protection Guidance for NS and IFRC Secretariat relations with European Union actors, 2013
Community Early Warning Systems: Guiding Principles, 2012
Contingency Planning Guide, 2012
Disaster Response Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), 2012
DREF Procedures and guidelines, 2011
Early Warning > Early Action Handbook, 2008
Earthquakes: guidelines on preparing, responding and recovering, 2012
ERU Standard Operating Procedures (ERU SOP)
Federation-wide Resource Mobilization Strategy, GB 2011
Field Manual on Restoring Family Links in Disasters, 2009

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

MOVEMENT PROCEDURESAND GUIDELINES

Guidelines for Assessment in Emergencies, 2008
Guidelines for Livelihoods Programming, 2010
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Guidelines for Cash Transfer
Programming, 2007
Management of dead Bodies after Disasters: A field Manual for First Responders, 2009
PASSA – Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness, 2011
Post-disaster community infrastructure rehabilitation and (re)construction guidelines, 2012
Post-disaster settlement planning guidelines, 2012
Procedures and Guidance for the Emergency Plan of Action, Emergency Appeal, and related
reporting tools, 2013
Public awareness and public education for disaster risk reduction: a guide, 2011
Recovery Programming Guidance, 2012
Setting up a National Disaster Preparedness and Response Mechanism: Guidelines for National
Societies, 2010
Shelter Coordination in natural disasters, 2012
Shelter Kit Guidelines, 201025

26 > Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance

MOVEMENT PROCEDURESAND GUIDELINES

Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment Guidelines, 2006

OTHER HUMANITARIAN
POLICY FRAMEWORKS,GUIDELINES AND
PRINCIPLES

Guidelines on The Use of Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief – Oslo
Guidelines, revised 2007
HAP Standards in Humanitarian Accountability and Quality Management, 2007, revised 2010
Principles and Good Practice of Humanitarian Donorship, 2003
Principles of Partnership: A Statement of Commitment, 2007
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Emergency Items Catalogue, 2009The Sphere Project: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response,
first edition 2000, latest edition 2011 and its Companions (Minimum Standards for Education,
Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards, Minimum Economic Recovery Standards andChild Protection Standards).

The Fundamental
Principles of
the International
Red Cross and
Red Crescent
Movement

Humanity

Independence

The International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement, born of a desire to
bring assistance without discrimination to
the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours,
in its international and national capacity,
to prevent and alleviate human suffering
wherever it may be found. Its purpose is toprotect life and health and to ensure respect
for the human being. It promotes mutual
understanding, friendship, cooperation andlasting peace among all peoples.

The Movement is independent. The
National Societies, while auxiliaries in thehumanitarian services of their governments
and subject to the laws of their respective
countries, must always maintain theirautonomy so that they may be able at all
times to act in accordance with the principlesof the Movement.

Impartiality

Voluntary service
It is a voluntary relief movement notprompted in any manner by desire for gain.

It makes no discrimination as to nationality,
race, religious beliefs, class or politicalopinions. It endeavours to relieve thesuffering of individuals, being guided solely
by their needs, and to give priority to themost urgent cases of distress.

Unity

Neutrality

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement, in which all societies have equal
status and share equal responsibilities andduties in helping each other, is worldwide.

In order to continue to enjoy the confidenceof all, the Movement may not take sides
in hostilities or engage at any time incontroversies of a political, racial, religious or
ideological nature.

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

International Federationof Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
P.O. Box 303
CH-1211 Geneva 19
Switzerland
Telephone: +41 22 730 4222
Telefax: +41 22 733 0395
E-mail: secretariat@ifrc.org
www.ifrc.org
Saving lives, changing minds.