Red Cross

Red Cross is the shortened form of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, also known as the International Red Cross. It is not an organization but an umbrella movement encompassing such distinct organizations as the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). A well-respected and recognized global movement, the Red Cross is renowned for its intense activities in the field of humanitarian affairs and for its legal contributions to the development and evolution of the international humanitarian law.

The credit in the establishment of a system of international humanitarian law needs to be given to the nonstate actors, especially the Red Cross. It has been the leading force and impetus behind the codification of both The Hague and the Geneva Conventions, which impose on nation-states and individuals certain responsibilities during times of war and of peace. The role of the nation-states in the process has been limited and, for the most part, insignificant. Their contribution to the evolution of international humanitarian law has been in the form of responding to calls made by the Red Cross, of participating in conferences held to draft the documents on the matter, and of implementing the conventions adopted at those conferences.

The movement emerged as a response to the dire consequences of deadly warfare and its impacts on civilians. The primary motive behind the movement was the protection of nonwarring entities during wartime, the wounded, and prisoners of war. The protection provided by the movement in this regard is twofold. It has ensured the codification and implementation of a comprehensive set of international legal instruments that are to be observed by a large number of nation-states. It also provides firsthand and direct humanitarian aid to those who have been affected by warfare.

At the local level, humanitarian activities are carried out by national Red Cross Societies whose recognition under this name is subject to the ICRC's approval Their presence in 185 countries leaves virtually no place that is not protected by the movement. Therefore, the global network, built by movement members, and the local experiences of the National Red Cross Societies, makes their provision of humanitarian aid effective, timely, and useful.

Founded in 1919, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is responsible for coordinating the activities of and cooperation between the National Societies. Its creation was controversial because its existence might negatively affect the legitimacy and recognition of the ICRC, established in 1863. Today, however, they have separate mandates and missions. At the international level, the federation's work is more focused on relief assistance during natural disasters, whereas the ICRC focuses on humanitarian goals during armed conflicts.

The Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has the role of uniting all of the movement's [Page 1207]components. It is the trustee of the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, the highest deliberative body of the movement, and meets every 4 years. It provides strategic guidance for the organizations represented in the movement, organizes the conference, determines its content and agenda, and ensures harmony in the work of the movement's separate components.

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