Furthermore, even the best equipped official agencies may be overwhelmed by exceptional events. States, characterized by Nietzsche as cold monsters, however well organized they may be, cannot deal with all misfortunes. For work of this kind, paid help is not what is wanted. If the Red Cross co-operates with other humanitarian organizations, it is only on the condition that these institutions, in the common work, fully respect Red Cross principles [3 ] . However, even though we recognize today the unity of human feelings, we no longer believe that there is only one valid civilization, worthy of the name. They belong to the domain of objectives and not to that of ways and means. The opposite situation may also occur, in which a Society whose statutes show no apparent State interference may nevertheless be exposed to indirect pressures which, in fact, make it subject to State authority. The seven Fundamental Principles are the foundation for all the work the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and National Societies around the world do - in peacetime, in public health emergencies, after natural disasters, and in armed conflict. These auxiliaries receive no pay. 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. In other words, humanity impels each of us to act for the well-being of our fellow men. Even if it is not always as authentic as we would wish, it nevertheless represents for the Red Cross a precious heritage from which the institution has derived a good deal of its power of achievement. With impartiality, we enter into another series of three principles, in which we shall also find neutrality and independence, which we have designated as derivative principles, whose purpose is to assure the Red Cross of the confidence of all parties, which is indispensible to it. ICRC, Geneva, 1962. The Tansley Report pointed out that the National Societies excel particularly in the emergency phase of assistance, in which they have done much pioneer work and gained irrepla ceable experience. Article 11 April 2016 The seven Fundamental Principles provide an ethical, operational and institutional framework for the work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement around the world. Furthermore, as the Proclamation emphasizes, these Societies are subject to the law of the land; it could not be otherwise. By the selflessness it displays, it also has symbolic value. One cannot indeed conceive how it could be otherwise, since it was intended that the institution should by its very nature be universal. This is frequently a tragedy for the Red Cross, comparable to that of a raft which will sink if any more castaways cling to it. The word neutral comes from the Latin neuter meaning neither one of two things. It outlived those who created it and this lasting character is perhaps a sign of its superiority over everything that happens here on earth. considering that the National Societies, in this manner, develop and organize within their territories, on a neutral basis, the efforts of charitable persons with a view to strengthening the efficacity of their work. If blood had been spilled, the earth had long since absorbed it; if tears had been shed, the sun had had time to dry them. To make assistance depend upon a financial contribution would mean refusing it to those who are unable to pay. There were also however many prisoners who received nothing at all, because their countries were powerless to act. It is naturally necessary to examine each case on its merits and weigh the pros and cons. Any classification has a somewhat arbitrary character however and the pattern outlined below will necessarily be theoretical in some aspects and, in practical life, we shall find that some of the categories overlap. To define non-discrimination, we shall first have to say what discrimination is. In any event, so long as the spirit of the Red Cross survives, that spirit which makes of the movement a living and coherent reality, sanctions will be superfluous; should such a spirit cease to exist, it is a safe bet that sanctions would be powerless to enforce compliance. The giving of joy is also charity, and perhaps the greatest charity sometimes. the difficulty of reconciling two things which seem to be mutually exclusive, to enjoy the freedom of action of a private charity and to submit to the requirements of military discipline. How can a National Society that is an auxiliary of the public authorities possibly be called neutral? In this sense it is essentially a negative idea; one is neutral who does not take sides in a conflict. As a result, in certain nurses organizations today, the words calling, dedication and mission are not well regarded, and it is emphasized that nursing is one profession among many which people enter because of its own characteristics, with its advantages and disadvantages. From 1864 onwards, non-discrimination found expression in the Geneva Conventions and, later on, in legislation on human rights. The National Societies, in their training of nurses and social workers, can play a splendid role in this respect. It is better then to carry out a charitable action fully, for a limited group of people, than to spread limited resources over a great number of places, none of which will receive enough. Accordingly, distinctions will be made in favour of some individuals in order to prevent or overcome inequalities resulting from these factors. The XXth International Conference of the Red Cross proclaims the following fundamental principles on which Red Cross action is based: The Red Cross, 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. So it is that people of a given profession are ready to help others of the same profession; young people to help other young people; a political party those who sympathize with it; the followers of a religion, people of the same faith. In this as in many other things, it is all a matter of proportion. The reasons for Red Cross independence are so obvious that there is no need to discuss them at great length. very closely related to one another, apart from the reference to peace, a programme element which we shall deal with separately, as follows: For the purpose of this commentary, we shall reverse the order of the terms in the declaration since, in its history, the Red Cross has been concerned first of all with relieving human suffering, before giving thought to preventing it. Modern humanitarianism is born of this social morality and attempts to organize relations between individuals on the basis of a compromise between their interests, recognizing that charity and justice constitute a far from negligible element in their true interest. And, above all, the essential characteristic of the Red Cross is to act and not to remain passive [2 ] . Along with quantitative inequality in treatment, the Conventions also provide for inequality in terms of time. Independence. That is one of the things the Red Cross exists for! subject to military laws and regulations. The analogy stops here however, for while justice rewards each person according to his rights, charity gives to each according to his suffering. This heading also has three parts: universality in the strictest sense a mixed principle comprising both substantive and organic aspects the equality of National Societies and the solidarity among them, the latter two belonging to the organic domain. To be effective, relief m ust often be given completely, and over a period of time. The operations of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are steered by seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, universality and unity. In all of these tasks, the Societies act as auxiliaries to the public authorities, whether they have received a specific mandate or even a monopoly from the State or, acting in a private capacity, relieve public agencies of duties the latter would otherwise have to assume. To exert its influence in this way, for example, it would be necessary for the Red Cross to take a position on such matters as military budgets, the manufacture and sale of arms, and, in general, that it would either support or attack numerous political actions. The author would like to thank all those who have been of assistance to him with their advice, and in particular Mr. Jean Pascalis, Deputy Secretary General of the Swiss Red Cross, who rendered invaluable service to him. This phrasing is not perfect. To this end, I shall on occasion gather under a separate heading some elementary philosophical considerations for those who wish to study these matters more profoundly. The Red Cross does of course have a certain image of what the world could be, a world with respect for life, individual liberty, universal happiness, rejection of violence and hatred, tolerance and non-discrimination. We shall remain faithful to the terminology of the Proclamation by characterizing as fundamental principles the seven propositions adopted in 1965. It has only one object, to relieve human suffering. For practical reasons, which are nonetheless imperative, the Red Cross Society must be the only one of its kind in the territory of each nation, for this is essential to the efficacy of its work. It takes on a moral aspect, and can even achieve nobility when it arises from the kind of firm determination which makes it possible for an institution to put its fundamental principles into effect and carry out its mission faithfully which is precisely the case with the Red Cross. Bern und Stuttgart. The same criterion is maintained in the 1977 Protocol I, in Article 81 relating to Red Cross activities. Some of these, however, actually include two or three concepts, bringing to about fifteen the real number of principles. He saw the cause for this in the extremely diversified development of its activities in the course of its first century, a tendency which is certainly on the increase today. If it were to be false to this ideal, it would disappear. This does not mean that the organization must systematically renounce accepting payment, for example if it undertakes to perform a public service function which is customarily paid for, or accepting and even soliciting contributions from recipients of its services who are well off, for the benefit of the less fortunate. The equality of Societies can be compared to the great principle of the equality of men in the face of suffering, the basis of Red Cross law. We must always act as men of thought and think as men of action. The right to eliminate undesirables is obviously less important when it is simply a matter of membership, at least in those Societies in which membership requires nothing more than the paying of dues. Since there is generally only one word for " love in modern languages, there has sometimes been a confusion between love in the sense of desire and love in the sense of devotion. It enables every Society to work in a community of spirit with its sister Societies. Constitution of the League , 1977, Article 1, paragraph 3. In 1921, the ICRC adopted a summary of fundamental principles in which it included the equality of National Societies. The giver also receives. It must protect itself from both. It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. At international Red Cross gatherings, delegates fraternize with one another and friendships are established, but these are something like holiday friendships. In a rapidly changing society, too many people seem to be losing sight of the underlying realities which must guide the institution. Photo: Maria T. Lehtman / Suomen Punainen Risti. 1966. We observe today a weakening throughout the world of the spirit of service. The National Red Cross organizations refer to one another as sister Societies, and this means more than the mere words would indicate. It would be quite in the spirit of the Red Cross to accept those of them who want to serve, but this cannot be made obligatory, for it is up to each Society to decide the matter. . We do not need to discuss here the neutrality of States, that is, the position adopted vis--vis countries at war by another country, described as neutral, which takes no part at all in the conflict. The idea of mutual assistance originates first of all in the very instinct for preservation. We can thus arrive at the recognition that the duty to help and the right to receive come together as aspects of pure human solidarity. The Red Cross is independent. Henry Dunant at Solferino, confronted by the enormous number of wounded left untreated because of the shortage of doctors, tried to find help from residents and tourists in nearby Castiglione. One of the characteristics which gives the Red Cross its unique quality and perhaps its virtue is the fact that it has put into effect, in its own domain, that universality so often dreamed of and so seldom realized. At its very inception, it was created on the basis of voluntarism. Only beings of flesh and blood possess sensitivity and human warmth. The Red Cross cannot compromise itself in this wild turmoil. The first part of this idea to all men has an essential significance for the Red Cross, whose ideal requires it to open its arms to all who ask its assistance. It has often been said in the past that the Red Cross fights against suffering, but up to now little has been said about its fight against death. Voluntary work does not belong only to the past. The Red Cross is a voluntary relief organization not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. Resolution XXV of the Fourteenth International Red Cross Conference, Brussels, 1930. This will be used to analyse traffic to the website, allowing us to understand visitor preferences and improving our services. As part of our auxiliary role to the government, we are at the forefront . The Proclamation goes on to speak of religious neutrality. 6. It is this suffering which inspires the charitable action and determines the form it takes. In a country ravaged by civil war, the chief prosecutor had arrested one of the leaders of the revolution. What we can say is that proper functioning and satisfactory development of the institution depend upon a proper balance between these aspects. This refers to neutrality in the military domain, and this is indeed the initial understanding of neutrality. Finally, a political dtente was arrived at before this team started its operations. It endeavours only to relieve suffering, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress. Rotes Kreuz Werden, Gestalt, Wirken. The principles of the Red Cross do not all have the same importance. When we refer to an association of any kind, we cannot speak of its independence in relation to its own members, due to the very fact that it emanates from them. These masters and their workers, sculptors and masons, generation after generation, constituted working teams which were capable of producing these perfect works of beauty and solidity because each one in his place, leaders and labourers alike, was inspired by the lofty purpose of their common efforts. Principes daction et fondements de l'oeuvre du Comit international de la Croix-Rouge (1939-1946). It is the Red Cross which says to those in misery: we love you because no one loves you, we love you because there are those who hate you. From the mission, fundamental principles and business practices that guide our organization, to the history of our service for more than a century, get to know the . In 1921, after the First World War, the ICRC and the young League o f Red Cross Societies jointly launched an appeal in favour of a spirit of peace. We must make an exception however for cases in which the suffering may be due to therapeutic necessity, for it is then admissible to cause pain to avoid a greater pain. The foregoing comment does not in any way tend to minimize the importance of the question which it is customary to raise at meetings of the institution under the heading The Red Cross and Peace. It is only by being truly independent that the Movement can respect these principles. It is equally true for the whole movement. It is true enough that agents of the State, responsible for social welfare activities, may be humane individuals and often are, but they are bound by laws, regulations, instructions and bureaucratic routine. It is more interested in providing people with what they need than it is with punishing them. The carrying out of such plans however is difficult, and goes beyond the means available to the Red Cross. Also, as we shall see, any service constitutes part of an exchange, through the new relationship it creates. Its auxiliary function is one of the special characteristics of the Red Cross which distinguish it from other charitable institutions. Here, we are within the domain of means and not of ends. For many tasks it is also essential to be adequately trained. The principle of independence means that the Movement must resist any interference - be it political, ideological or economic - capable of diverting it from embodying the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality. Let us take an example from everyday life. This is true to such an extent that International Red Cross Conferences have ruled that a National Society cannot establish a section in, or send a mission to a foreign country without the permission of the Red Cross Society in that country. (All of them are brothers). Max Huber: Au service du CICR , Geneva, 1944. However, in order to measure up to their task in th e event of conflict, the National Societies very soon realized the need to work in peacetime. Confidence is vital to the Red Cross; without confidence it would no longer be entrusted with work of public utility and it would receive no more donations. It contributes to the survival of the species; it offers more in the way of rewards than it does of burdens. But, even though the other one is young, he has only one arm. He succeeded, and it was the women of the region, caring for the victims of both camps, who uttered the words, Tutti fratelli ! Sir John Kennedy, Executive Vice-President of the British Red Cross. IHL and humanitarian principles | International Committee of the Red Cross IHL and humanitarian principles The Advanced IHL Learning Series are a resource for lecturers and trainers who wish to keep abreast of the latest developments in international humanitarian law (IHL) and other related areas. In real life, unfortunately, resources are generally insufficient to relieve all suffering at once. Thus, women are to be treated with the particular respect due to them. This kind of neutrality is not the same as military neutrality, though it is coming more and more to resemble it in our age of cold wars. If it acts in this way, it does so not in order to waste its energies in idle diplomatic procedures but so as to gain access to victims in need of help, and these victims are in the power of the States. Lastly, it is prevention which determines the role of the Red Cross in favour of peace. This is why society has taken as a fundamental postulate the equality of rights between men. This independence is also the guarantee of the neutrality of the Red Cross. Regarded by the enemy as neutral, in the interest of the victims, these persons are required to conduct themselves as such, unswervingly. Omnia vincit amor [8 ] . This must naturally correspond to the requirements of public order and, in wartime, of military necessity. These imperfections do not, however, have such importance or urgency as to require an early revision. These principles unite the components of the Movement the ICRC, the National Societies and the International Federation and are key to its distinct identity. The ICRC nevertheless is unceasingly confronted by political events. In addition, the International Red Cross Conferences have passed numerous resolutions on the subject of solidarity. If these cathedrals were a source of legitimate pride to the cities which raised them; if the architects and workers were fully conscious of the sacred use to which the structures were dedicated, the cathedral bore for them in itself its reason for being what it was, in its serene and majestic beauty, like a hymn of praise rising to heaven [11 ] . On the national basis, the Red Cross proceeded step by step to develop its structures. While we may well be gratified at seeing the Red Cross become a rallying point for people and institutions of good will, such a procedure has its hazards. The Red Cross has a universal vocation. The term is used to characterize the reserve which the whole Red Cross must maintain with regard to any doctrine except its own, the distance it maintains between itself and controversies which are foreign to it and which would compromise its universal character. A Society would accordingly be well advised to define quite precisely its relations with affiliated organizations, so that the authority of its central committee will remain intact and that respect for the principles of the Red Cross will always be ensured. The Red Cross and Peace. Sometimes it represents an ideal model to which we may aspire, rather than an unbending and rigorous law. We encounter both of these elements in the contrary word impartial, but the negation applies only to the motivation. Soon afterwards, a local chief suddenly came face to face with an adversary. This is doubtless one of the hand-me-downs from a tradition dating back to ancient times when such personnel was recruited mainly from among the slaves. They are also concerned with health education, accident prevention and the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse. The last meeting of the Council of Delegate set up a Commission to oversee the application of the Belgrade programme and propose suitable measures to achieve its objectives. What the principle does mean is that membership must not be refused for discriminatory reasons, reasons based on considerations alien to the institution, to the efficiency of its work or its reputation. There are those who are not satisfied to see it confine itself to attenuating the effects of war, but insist that it attack the evil of war at its root and participate directly in the fight agains t this scourge. Indeed, even though peace is dear to all peoples, they are seldom agreed on the way to bring peace into being or to maintain it even on the character peace should have [12 ] . It seems to us that it would be appropriate however to limit the term volunteers or voluntary workers to persons who offer their services free or for a low sum, either on a permanent or temporary basis. bearing in mind in particular the complexity of the international juridical status of various State groupings, the ICRC is obliged to interpret these principles with a certain degree of flexibility, taking into account the particular circumstances in each individual case. In the simplest form, it consists only of a periodic inspection. Better information is a lso attended by a certain degree of danger however, the danger of saturating the publics mind and dulling its sensitivity in a sense vaccinating it against appeals to its generosity. 1. In speaking of the selflessness of the Red Cross, we mean that it has no interests of its own, or at least that its interests coincide with those of the persons it protects or assists. 11. This requirement has been a dominant one in the institution since its birth and has never since been disputed. We have to know why we serve. It is impossible, therefore, depending upon latitude or longitude, to accept certain elements while rejecting others. Who was the wounded man? Max Huber. The Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (flyer) 11-06-2020 Publication. It could be asserted therefore that its philosophy is optimistic, since it does not despair of the individual and demonstrates by its actions its faith in existence. Neutrality however does have further connotations for the Red Cross, into which we do not have to enter in detail here, since these concern particular cases not mentioned in the Proclamation and mainly refer to the Red Cross body which is the very embodiment of neutrality, the ICRC. To conclude our comments on this point: customs, social structures and economic conditions vary so greatly from one country to another that there can be no uniform solution to th e problem. 9. The ideal thing would be to give to each individual not the same thing but that which is appropriate to him personally because of his nature and particular situation. In legal terms, it is true indeed that the ICRC, in serious cases, could withdraw international recognition from a National Society which displayed conduct in flagrant contradiction of the conditions of recognition, one of which, specifically, is to honour the fundamental principles of the Red Cross. Through objective consideration of the evidence, basing ourselves on the consent of the majority, we also arrive at the concept of solidarity as an ideal for the organization of the community. Our staff and Red Cross Youth seek to uphold these core values in all our work. The National Red Cross Societies, as such, are not governed by the principle of universality. In the Conditions for Recognition of New Societies as they exist today, it is set forth in the statement that the Society shall share in the fellowship which unites its members the National Societies and the international bodies and keep in close touch with them . With a tranquil mind, he endures evil; he does not yield to hatred against another, but joyfully forgives him. No one would expect to have these Societies disperse their resources throughout the world, as we shall see under the subject of universality. The National Red Cross Societies should be more open to contacts with their opposite numbers abroad, known by the delightful and appropriate name, sister Societies. expresses its determination not to allow such issues to undermine the work of the Red Cross at any time and declares its unabated faith in the Red Cross as a movement concerned solely with humanitarian activities which help to promote mutual understanding and goodwill among nations whatever their political differences. It is not only directed to fighting against the suffering of a given moment and of helping particular individuals, for it also has more positive aims, designed to attain the greatest possible measure of happiness for the greatest number of people. It is true enough that the expression should apply to all forms of conflict and not only to military operations in the narrow sense. It is thanks to the League that this mutual co-operation has attained the splendid development of today. The Red Cross must make it clear to those concerned that it constitutes an exception, at a time when, throughout the world, things are becoming more and more politicized. This does not of course in any sense prevent the condemnation of inhuman practices such as torture. In States which maintain no armed forces, the Societies must be recognized as auxiliaries of other public authorities carrying on activities for the benefit of the civilian population. What are the 7 principles of Red Cross? At the same time, the word also serves to specify human nature and even the human species as a whole. Even if the public authorities have powerful means at their disposal, they are not always in a position to assist all of those in need, especially if the latter belong to an opposition party or to an insurrectionary group, nor can they bring about the personal and human relationship between those who help and those who are helped, which is so enriching to all concerned. It is therefore confronted by the need to restore and strengthen this spirit among its members. Because happiness is contagious and it does good. Fellowship. Among these, the first one, humanity, has a special place because it is the expression of the profound motivation of the Red Cross, from which all the other principles are derived. Red Cross Principles. This fact in itself should gain for nursing personnel the esteem and respect they deserve. 5. To serve the Red Cross is in some respects like taking religious vows. The Proclamation specified that each National Society must be open to all, that is, as stated more precisely in the Conditions for recognition, it shall not withhold membership from any of its nationals, whoever they may be, on grounds of race, sex, class, religion or political opinions . This is a geographically limited universalism, a universalism proportioned to each National Society but identical in essence to that which inspires the worldwide institution. We can see at the same time that the Red Cross mission is becoming more and more difficult and for those working in the field more and more dangerous. In an army, volunteers are those who have willingly entered military service, as contrasted with those conscripted by law, or who offer, without compulsion, to take part in an especially dangerous or difficult mission. Even if everyone were to concern himself with helping his neighbour, there are unhappily people who have no true neighbours, people with whom no one is concerned. The present work will therefore be concerned with providing a commentary on that Proclamation. On the contrary, we now acknowledge the pluralism of cultures and the need to become acquainted with them and study them deeply. Under this heading, the principle of humanity sets for the Red Cross its task in time of war its primary and essential function and also its work in time of peace. These the Red Cross cannot surrender at any cost. Nowadays, in terms of volume, peacetime work constitutes the greater part of the day to day tasks of the National Societies. Knowing that delay may be fatal, the Red Cross will never sacrifice one life today in the uncertain hope of saving more lives later. Some National Societies however describe as volunteers the many people who, in peacetime, give their services without pay. It is obvious that insofar as it set itself up as a judge, the ICRC would be abandoning the neutrality it has voluntarily assumed [4 ] . The Red Cross appeals to justice in its highest form, when charity takes precedence over the laws of men. Such an attitude is now however being challenged in some quarters. If you have more time, time enough to listen to them, you discover that the older man is a refugee, that he is all alone in the world but that the younger one has children to care for. Such considerations however must never prevent anyone from receiving the care he needs. They were nevertheless violating the laws of the Red Cross and in doing so running the risk of sanctions which might harm many innocent persons. Has the Red Cross attained true universality? This concerned what we now refer to as the summary of fundamental principles, as they appear in the Statutes of the International Red Cross. In the early days of the Red Cross, assistance to the war wounded mainly took the form of close co-operation with the military medical services, of which the National Societies were the natural auxiliaries. wrote Marivaux. To bring men back to the level of equality means to attend with the utmost efficacy and at the outset to the needs of those who are most deprived, that is, to allocate assistance in proportion to the distress. It is in permanent revolt against misery and rejects fatalism. If there is no light within us, how shall we find the path in the darkness? As Montaigne said, I bitterly hate cruelty as the worst of all vices . However, in the sense which is now of interest to us, the word human is used to describe a man who is good to his fellow beings. These ICRC interventions, backed up by visits to places of detention, tend to bring about a strict and faithful application of humanitarian law, which has found its most complete and up to date expression in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Protocols of 1977. The Red Cross is ready to come to the help of each individual, equally and without any form of discrimination. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world's largest humanitarian network and is guided by seven Fundamental Principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, universality and unity. Finally, and for the same reasons, the Red Cross cannot associate with any other institution which does not have absolute respect for its moral and material independence, for any deviation from this course would have fatal consequences. This term has not been kept, since it may give rise to confusion, and the successors to the 1864 Convention have referred instead to the protection of such military medical personnel, but the concept of neutralization has persisted and is still meaningful in common parlance. 7. Impartiality requires a precise, complete and objective examination of the problems facing us and an exact assessment of the values entailed. A further question arises. They may even seem to be ridiculous, when we can see all around us the great powers making enormous deliveries of arms to their allies of the moment, and in so doing driving them inevitably into new conflicts. This signifies that it must extend to all men, in all countries , in the terms used in 1955 [1 ] . 3. The voluntary character of the Red Cross is directly related to the principle of humanity, being in effect a means for putting that principle into effect. Charity is an effort demanded of us, either inwardly or from the outside, which becomes a second nature, to relieve and put an end to the sufferings of others. Unity of leadership is essential for much the same reasons. This extension of the mandate of the Red Cross did not receive the approval of all the participants, some of whom considered that in taking this path the institution would be departing from its proper role and venturing into the political field. The Principles of International Humanitarian Law. They do not all have identical activities and some do not have clearly defined programmes. It does not seem to us that the two approaches must necessarily exclude one another. We should also note that governments have not made abusive use of their voting power. One could not train a huge phalanx and hold it in readiness for a very uncertain eventuality, especially when there were so many wounds to heal throughout the world. Everyone knows suffering, that ancient and intimate enemy of man; from his birth it follows him like a shadow and one shudders to think of the indescribable accumulation of pain which has weighed down the human race since the beginning of the world. The Red Cross movement is guided by 7 fundamental principles: Humanity Impartiality Neutrality Independence Voluntary Service Unity Universality Humanity To seek to exert a direct effect in this sphere nearly always implies a descent into the arena of nations and parties. Only in the past few years has there been a recognition of the need to humanize hospitals. Research has demonstrated that patients show better and quicker recovery in a sympathetic and gay atmosphere. It would be useful to undertake a study of the implications which the Principles of the Red Cross would have in carrying out social welfare projects and to ascertain precisely what limits a Red Cross Society should place on its co-operation. They contribute to the application of the three substantive principles, the mainsprings of action, and assure the proper functioning of the institution. It is apparent, in the crusade against war, that everyone should fight with the means at his disposal, in terms of his own essential nature and inescapable destiny. It should be noted however that the principle of universality has a mixed character, relating both to an ideal and to practicality, derived in part from the precepts of humanity and of non-discrimination. Fortunately, there are also real volunteers, whose dedication is attended by modesty. Making distinctions in relieving suffering is a hard thing to do, calling for a great deal of effort, time and, let us say it, a great deal of love. It is above all else the lives and health of human beings the supreme possessions of man which are involved, and these are increasingly endangered with the passing of time. In a number of countries however it worked the other way and the foundation of the National Society stimulated major reforms in the military medical services. This bears repeating, at a time when too many people, under the pretext of serving the Red Cross, mainly intend to use it to serve their own interests. The very fact that the government is the voice of a majority and is inevitably subject to the influence of parties and factions implies that it must sometimes be partisan in its acts. Mexico. The author of the Final Report on the Re-appraisal of the Role of the Red Cross [3 ] raised questions as to precisely what constituted Red Cross principles, commenting that there was some confusion concerning them. Many of these Societies have the benefit of a large number of volunteer workers for the most part well-to-do women who give a few hours of their time every week to social welfare work, helping elderly people, visiting hospital patients, caring for children, reading to the blind, etc. States may rest assured that in a world dominated by self-interest there is at least one institution which escapes from that prevailing rule; that where opportunism and compromise are predominant, the Red Cross acts without any ulterior motive and provides no opportunities for intrigue; that in a world marked by hatred, the Red Cross is concerned only with human brotherhood. Under such conditions there is born that team spirit which makes it possible to work shoulder to shoulder, with joy and mutual enthusiasm. These striking comments are even more true today, a century later, when the world has shrunk so much through the rapidity of transport, telecommunications and information by radio and television. Under this heading, we enter the field of organic principles, that is, the standards which govern the form and operation of the institution. In addition, when they accord their protection to the National Societies of the Red Cross, the Conventions refer on occasion to activities which are in conformity with the principles laid down by the International Red Cross Conferences [4 ] . 4. Readers with little time at their disposal may thus leave these matters to one side. In most cases however, the solution is a reasonable one which the ICRC and the League consider acceptable, with the government having something less than half of the votes. Under modern conceptions of social order, the general task of providing assistance to underprivileged individuals falls mainly upon the States, as the only entities having the necessary authority and sufficient resources to cope with undertakings of this magnitude. Max Huber. ICRC, Geneva, 1947. We shall deal successively with each of these three elements. The important thing is to remain dedicated, come what may, to the ideal and spirit of the Red Cross. Although neutrality defines the attitude of the Red Cross towards belligerents and ideologies, it never determines its behaviour towards the human beings who suffer because, in the first place, the wounded do not fight one another. They are upheld along with our seven fundamental principles. This requirement also applies at every level of the hierarchical structure. Pity is one of the driving forces of charity. If we have been brought to the point of recognizing the equality of rights among men, this is primarily for reasons of practicality. It demands that man shall be treated humanely under all circumstances, I bitterly hate cruelty as the worst of all vices, become prepared in time of peace for wartime activities, The perfect man is the one most useful to others. This resolution. Frederic Siordet: Inter arma caritas , ICRC, Geneva, 1947. for reasons of economy. Divided countries constitute special cases; there may then be more than one Society, with each covering one of the separate territories. But, for the Red Cross worker, there must be something more, the spiritual dimension referred to by Bergson. who does not befriend himself by doing good? They must make a beginning by reaching out to one another across th e boundaries which divide nations and coalitions of nations otherwise all work in this field will be in vain. ICRC, Geneva, 1956. The resolution said, in part: The Conference considering that an essential condition of this activity is a scrupulous observance of the principle of racial, religious and political neutrality, a principle which enables the Red Cross to recruit its helpers among all races, creeds and parties, without excluding any. But, although their value may be relative, it is nevertheless very great, for it shows the ideal that we must continue to approach. The Red Cross has no material motive. This law demands that everyone shall be treated as a human being and not as an object, as an end in himself and not as a mere means to an end. The author has previously called this the golden rule of the Red Cross and in 1955, in Red Cross Principles , formulated it as follows, The Red Cross does not reap any advantage from its activities; it is only concerned with the humanitarian interest of the persons who require help. Finally, they included the entire population in their sphere of activity, and this peacetime work became an end in itself. Hippocrates himself, in fact, refused to go and care for the Persians when they were stricken by a plague, because they are our enemies, as he put it. The generous and heartfelt impulse which makes them come forward is in danger of cooling off when it comes into contact with reality and these people are likely to grow weary sooner than expected With the system of free work, not only do the Committees have no authority over their agents but, in addition, feel indebted to them and are often embarrassed in knowing how to deal with them; they owe too much to them and are in a poor position to refuse any favours they may ask. Littre defines pity as that sentiment aroused at the sight of suffering that prompts one to relieve it. Humanism is a philosophical doctrine whose ultimate object is the human being. Notes. The first systematic presentation of the principles of the Red Cross, as we have noted, dates from 1955 and served as the basis for the official Proclamation which today has the force of law. The Red Cross however must reach out its hand to all human beings who suffer. With regard to its internal organization, the Red Cross is threatened by two opposite hazards, and forever stands between them: bureaucratism and amateurism. Nearly all the architects and artists who conceived, built and adorned these masterpieces, among the greatest of all time, remained gloriously unknown. The Red Cross has been a consistent lifeline for people when they need us the most, providing disaster relief assistance, health and safety training, lifesaving blood and more. Principles and Rules for Red Cross Disaster Relief, which are in conformity with the principles laid down by the International Red Cross Conferences. Resolution XX of the Twenty-first International Conference, Istanbul, 1969. There is therefore no such thing as a superior or an inferior category. During the Second World War, the ICRC transported and distributed in prisoner-of-war camps of certain countries vast quantities of relief packages it received from the countries of origin of the prisoners. 1. Solidarity in the face of suffering, which makes of the Red Cross a body, indeed a " family, is closely related to the original gesture that simple gesture performed by Henry Dunant as day fell after a great battle, a gesture which did something to change the face of the world. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect . all of whose members are aware of reaching out together toward a higher common purpose in which each one, while maintaining his own individuality freely serves the common cause and, regardless of the hierarchical order necessary for any organization, looks upon those under his orders as colleagues. It is a kind of historic preamble, recalling that the Red Cross was born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield . If its workers are not inspired by an inner fire, if they do not know why they have chosen to serve the Red Cross, it would be better if they went into business instead and all the more so if what they want is wealth and fame. Next in order are the derived principles of neutrality and independence, which make it possible to put the essential principle into action and enable us, without deforming them, to translate the substantive principles into factual reality. It will not always be easy however to ascertain the real interests of those in need. It must be able to bring together all people of good will and not exclude any partic ular groups. This document and its annexes contain an important sum of facts and experience to which I shall refer a number of times as the Tansley Report. Humanitarian characterizes any action beneficent to man. We have to recognize, at least, that a substantial number of Societies fall far short of complying with all the fundamental principles of the Red Cross, either in letter or in spirit. Thus, we can only remedy an inequality in the situation by means of an inequality in the providing of benefits. It is naturally in connection with politics, both national and international, that this independence must be asserted. These seven Fundamental Principles are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and . In such cases, voluntary and benevolent come to mean much the same thing. It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. It is important for it to have a wide base and to win the mass of people to its cause, for in union there is strength. Being truly independent that the two approaches must necessarily exclude one another and friendships are established, but forgives! 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