The ICRC's mission arises from the basic human desire, common to all civilizations, to lay down rules governing the use of force in war and to safeguMission statementard the dignity of the weak.
The ICRC has received a mandate from the international community to help victims of war and internal violence and to promote compliance with international humanitarian law.The ICRC's activities are aimed at protecting and assisting the victims of armed conflict and internal violence so as to preserve their physical integrity and their dignity and to enable them to regain their autonomy as quickly as possible.
The ICRC is independent of all governments and international organizations. Its work is prompted by the desire to promote humane conduct and is guided by empathy for the victims. The ICRC is impartial: its only criterion for action is the victims' needs. The ICRC is neutral and remains detached from all political issues related to conflict.
By applying these principles strictly, the ICRC is able to act as an intermediary between the parties to armed conflict and to promote dialogue in situations of internal violence, with a view to finding solutions for matters of humanitarian concern.
Through its work, the ICRC helps to prevent the worsening of crises and even at times to resolve them.
The ICRC systematically reminds all military and civilian authorities directly involved in armed conflict or internal violence of their obligations under international humanitarian law and the other humanitarian rules by which they are bound.
The ICRC has the duty to remind all States of their collective obligation to ensure respect for international humanitarian law.
In all societies and cultures, the ICRC endeavours to promote international humanitarian law and the fundamental human values underlying that law.
As the founding member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the ICRC directs and coordinates the international work of the Movement's components in connection with armed conflict and internal violence.
The ICRC gives priority to cooperation with the National Red Gross and Red Crescent Societies and their Federation. It acts in consultation with all other organizations involved in humanitarian work.