The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, commonly referred to as the Red Cross, was born out of the harrowing aftermath of the 1859 Battle of Solferino, witnessed by Swiss entrepreneur Jean Henri Dunant. While attempting to meet with French Emperor Napoleon III, Dunant instead encountered the devastation of the battle, where around 40,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. Observing the lack of medical assistance, he mobilized volunteers to care for the injured, feed them, and send letters to their families.

In 1862, Henry Dunant published his book A Memory of Solferino, which vividly described the horrors of the battlefield and proposed the establishment of permanent volunteer societies to aid the wounded, regardless of nationality. This visionary concept, supported by Gustave Moynier, ultimately led to the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 17, 1863. The committee, originally formed as a group of five dedicated individuals committed to humanitarian service, officially adopted the name International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1875.

The founding of the ICRC marked a significant milestone in the history of humanitarian aid, as it was the first organization to offer neutral assistance to those in armed conflict, regardless of nationality. This initiative was further solidified with the adoption of the first Geneva Convention in 1864, which provided legal protections for the wounded and those caring for them. In 1965, the seven Fundamental Principles were adopted by the 20th International Conference, developed to unite the ICRC, the Federation (formerly known as the League of Red Cross Societies), and National Societies under the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

Over the years, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has expanded globally, with national societies established in various countries. The Red Cross emblem—a red cross on a white background—was adopted as a symbol of protection for medical personnel and humanitarian workers in conflict zones. The Red Crescent emblem was introduced during the Ottoman Empire as an alternative to the Red Cross, reflecting cultural sensitivities in Muslim-majority countries. Later, the Red Crystal was added as a neutral emblem, intended for use in situations where the other emblems may not be appropriate. These emblems—Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal—are commonly used and ensure inclusivity in humanitarian efforts, allowing the movement to operate effectively across diverse cultural contexts.

In the aftermath of World War I and II, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement adapted to address a wider array of humanitarian challenges, expanding its focus beyond the battlefield to include disaster relief, health services, and community support. Today, the movement comprises 191 national societies, alongside the ICRC and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This extensive network positions the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as one of the largest and most influential humanitarian organizations in the world, dedicated to alleviating human suffering and promoting the principles of humanity across diverse contexts.

The Red Cross has won more Nobel Peace Prizes than any other organization, reflecting its immense global impact. Jean Henri Dunant, despite stepping back from the Red Cross after financial troubles, was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901 along with French pacifist Frédéric Passy. The ICRC won Nobel Peace Prizes in 1917 and 1944 for its work during the two World Wars. In 1963, the ICRC shared a Nobel Prize with the League of Red Cross Societies, now known as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which coordinates national societies worldwide. These accolades highlight the enduring significance and global humanitarian contributions of the Red Cross movement.

The work of the Red Cross is guided by seven fundamental principles:

Humanity

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was born from a desire to help those in need. It provides assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield. The Movement aims to prevent and reduce human suffering everywhere. Its mission is to protect life and health while ensuring respect for all people. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace among all.

Impartiality

The Red Cross does not discriminate based on nationality, race, religion, class, or political beliefs. It focuses on relieving suffering based solely on needs. Priority is given to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality

To maintain trust, the Movement does not take sides in conflicts. It refrains from engaging in political, racial, religious, or ideological controversies.

Independence

The Movement operates independently. National Societies support their governments' humanitarian efforts but must maintain autonomy. This ensures they can act according to the Movement’s principles.

Voluntary Service

The Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement. Its work is driven by a desire to help, not by a pursuit of profit.

Unity

There can only be one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in each country. This Society must be open to everyone and carry out humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is global. All Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities in helping one another.

The legacy of the Red Cross is marked by its continuous efforts to respond to crises, advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations, and promote humanitarian principles globally. It stands as a testament to the enduring belief that, in times of conflict and disaster, the humanity of individuals transcends borders and differences, inspiring countless volunteers and workers dedicated to serving those in need.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world. Its mission is to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity, especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies. It is present in every country and supported by millions of volunteers.

It is not a single organization. It is composed of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the 191 individual National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Each has its own legal identity and role, but they are all united by seven Fundamental Principles.

The ICRC’s exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. It directs and coordinates the Movement’s international relief activities during armed conflicts. Established in 1863, it is at the origin of the Movement.

The International Federation inspires, facilitates and promotes all humanitarian activities carried out by its member National Societies in behalf of those who are most vulnerable. It directs and coordinates its members’ actions to assist the victims of natural and technological disasters, refugees and those affected by health emergencies. It was founded in 1919.

National Societies act as auxiliaries to their national authorities in the humanitarian field. They provide a broad range of services including disaster relief, and health and social programmes. In wartime they may assist the civilian population and support the medical services of the armed forces.

The red cross and red crescent emblems are a universal sign of hope for people in humanitarian crises. For communities enduring the trauma of armed conflict and other situations of violence or the hardships of natural disaster, the emblems signal that help is on its way.

Whether displayed on the badge of a doctor working in a field hospital, the side of a vehicle transporting wounded people in war, or a plane delivering relief supplies, these emblems symbolize impartial, neutral and independent humanitarian action to people around the world.

But they are also about much more. In times of armed conflict, the red cross and the red crescent together with the red crystal, are internationally recognized symbols of the protection that is due to the armed forces’ medical personnel, facilities and vehicles and to authorized civilian medical services. This includes the medical services of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (National Societies) when acting as auxiliaries to armed forces’ medical services or when duly authorized by the authorities in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

The emblems are free of any religious, political or cultural association. They may be put to two different uses:

A sign of protection

which informs the parties to an armed conflict that the people, vehicles or facilities displaying these emblems must be protected at all times and may never be targeted or attacked. This is known as the protective use of the emblems.

To indicate the affiliation of a person,

vehicle or facility with the organizations that make up the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This is known as the indicative use of the emblems.

In times of armed conflict, they can be used for protective purposes to ensure the safety of:

• medical services and religious personnel of the armed forces;
• medical personnel, facilities and vehicles of National Societies when placed at the disposal of the medical services of the armed forces and subject to military laws and regulations;
• with the express authorization of the government and under its control, civilian hospitals, all civilian medical units and other voluntary relief societies and medical facilities, their staff and civilian medical personnel, as well as vehicles assigned to the treatment and transport of the wounded, sick and shipwrecked. All three emblems have equal status and may be used individually as a protective device. They must be displayed on a white background, without wording or additional graphics, designs or inscriptions.

During times of peace, the emblems may be also displayed individually and in their pure form, as a symbol of protection by:

• medical services and religious personnel of the armed forces;
• National Society staff, medical facilities and vehicles that could be mobilized in the event of armed conflict, with the authorities’ consent.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation) may use the emblems at all times (in times of peace and armed conflict alike).

For indicative purposes

In times of peace the emblems can be displayed for indicative purposes by:

• volunteers, staff or property affiliated with the Movement (the National Societies, the ICRC or the International Federation);
• as an exceptional measure by ambulances and first-aid stations exclusively assigned to providing free treatment to the wounded and sick in line with domestic legislation and with the express authorization of the National Society.

When used as an “indicative device” by any of the Movement’s organizations as part of their logos, the emblem must always be accompanied by their name or initials, and not simply the words “red cross” or “red crescent.” The emblem must also be displayed in small dimensions and may not be placed on armlets or on roofs of buildings in order to avoid any confusion with the emblems used for protective purposes.

Any misuse of the emblems may diminish their protective value and erode respect for them in times of armed conflict. This could endanger the lives of those entitled to display an emblem for their protection while providing medical care, and undermine the safe access of the Movement’s humanitarian workers and relief. Here are some of the ways in which the emblems must not be used:

Imitation

The use of a sign which, owing to its shape and colour, may be confused with one of the emblems.

Improper use

Any use of an emblem inconsistent with international humanitarian law. The use of an emblem by unauthorized people or entities(commercial enterprises, pharmacists, private doctors, non-governmental organizations, individuals, etc.) or for purposes that are likelyto undermine the prestige or the respect due to the emblem.

Perfidy

The use of the emblem during an armed conflict to protect combatants and military equipment and with the intent to mislead the adversary. When causing death or serious personal injury, perfidious use of the emblem is considered a war crime.

In order to ensure universal respect for and protection of the emblems, each State party to the 1949 Geneva Conventions has an obligation to enact national legislation with the aim of regulating the use of the emblems and of preventing and punishing their improper use both in times of war and peace. National authorities must also take steps to inform the public, businesses and the medical community of the proper use of the emblems. National Societies also cooperate with the authorities to ensure proper use of the emblems.

By displaying the emblems of the red cross or the red crescent to show their association with the Movement during armed conflict, natural disasters or other emergencies, a National Society’s staff and volunteers are sending a very important message: the work they are carrying out is purely humanitarian and their safe access to people and communities affected by crisis must be respected at all times. Those in the Movement who display these symbols are committed to carrying out their humanitarian mission in accordance with the Movement’s seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. People understand that their work is not linked to any political, religious, military or economic agenda and should therefore be accepted, trusted and respected by all. This understanding is critical because it means that people of all backgrounds, and on all sides of an armed conflict, have trust in these workers’ intentions. This in turn helps Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers to reach all people and communities in need safely even during wartime and other humanitarian crises.

In 1859, Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman travelling through northern Italy, witnessed the grim aftermath of a battle in and around the city of Solferino. Deeply moved by the suffering of thousands of wounded and dying soldiers left without any medical care, he published A Memory of Solferino, in which he put forward two proposals for improving assistance for war victims:

• to set up in peacetime, in every country, relief societies composed of volunteers ready to take care of wounded soldiers in wartime;
• to get countries to agree to the idea of protecting the wounded and sick on the battlefield and those caring for them. The first proposal led to the establishment of a National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in almost every country around the world. The second proposal set the stage for the adoption of the Geneva Conventions. The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 are today accepted by, and binding upon, all States. That proposal also led to the adoption of a single distinctive sign that would help to protect military medical services, volunteer aid workers and wounded people during armed conflict. The sign – or emblem as it was eventually called – had to be simple, identifiable from a distance, known to everyone and always identical. A diplomatic conference that met in Geneva in August 1864 adopted a red cross on a white background, the colours of the Swiss flag in reverse. Then, during the 1876–1878 war between Russia and Turkey, the Ottoman Empire declared that instead of a red cross it would use as its emblem a red crescent, a symbol that was formally recognized in 1929 in an amendment to the first Geneva Convention. In 2005, States party to the 1949 Geneva Conventions adopted an additional emblem: the red crystal. The red crystal enjoys the same legal status as the red cross and the red crescent and may be used in the same way and under the same conditions. It provides an alternative for States and for National Societies that do not wish to use the red cross or the red crescent.

The Logo of a National Society must be composed of one of the distinctive emblems together with the name or an abbreviated version of the name of the National Society.

National Societies that choose to adopt the red cross as their sign of identification may incorporate within it any of the other recognized emblems. Under certain conditions a combination of emblems is allowed within the cross.