Constitution of the international federation of red cross and red crescent societies

Revised and adopted by the VIth Session of the General
Assembly Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), 23-26 November 1987
Amended by the VIIIth General Assembly Budapest (Hungary),
25-28 November 1991
 

     
PREAMBLE

The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, affirm their attachment to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement which are:

HUMANITY

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 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.

IMPARTIALITY

It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.