With four other people in Geneva, Dunant formed a committee and invited other European countries to join together. Representatives of 16 countries met in 1863 and the international Red Cross was born. There are now 175 national societies in almost every country in the world and more than 250 million volunteers unified by service to the same humanitarian principles. The Red Cross emblem of a red cross on a white background was developed to ensure protection of Red Cross workers maintaining neutral presence in battlefields and in hostile situations. Since the late 19th century, some Eastern European, Asian and Islamic countries have used a red crescent symbol instead of a red cross.
All national societies have the same status within the movement.
Helping people with immediate medical and basic needs in times of crisis and disaster remains a priority, but more emphasis is being placed on related services such as safety training, public health and youth services. Central to all these activities are the seven fundamental principles which form the basis for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. 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. It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.