American Red Cross Form 1492a - Local Disaster Volunteer Staff Registration (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement

In delivering disaster services, the American Red Cross adheres to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red

Cross Movement:

Humanity — The International Red Cross Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the

wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, 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 endeavors

to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of

distress.

Neutrality — In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at

any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious, or ideological nature.

Independence — The movement is independent. The national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of

their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance

with the principles of the movement.

Voluntary Service — It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity — There can be only one Red Cross society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry out its humani-

tarian work throughout its territory.

Universality — The International Red Cross Movement, in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsi-

bilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

— The XXth International Conference of the Red Cross, Vienna, 1965.

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RED CROSS STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR DISASTER RELIEF WORKERS

1. Assistance is offered to anyone who has a disaster-caused need. The prime motivation of our response to disaster is

to alleviate human suffering and the stress caused by disaster.

2. Assistance is given regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients without adverse distinction of any

kind. The provision of relief will be based solely upon the assessment of the needs of disaster victims. Red Cross

workers will treat each other and all with whom they come in contact with dignity and respect.

3. Assistance will be free of personal, political or religious conditions.

Red Cross will remain independent of any government entity. Red Cross policies and implementation strategies do

not seek to implement the policy of any government, except when it coincides with Red Cross independent policy.

4. We shall respect the culture, structures, and customs of the communities and countries in which we are working.

Red Cross will build disaster response on local capabilities. Where possible, Red Cross will attempt to build capac-

ity by involving the local community.

5. Red Cross will involve the community in the management and provision of relief. Red Cross disaster response

assistance will never be imposed on anyone. We will strive to achieve community participation in our relief and recov-

ery activities and will cooperate with local government and voluntary agencies, when appropriate.

6. Assistance provided will include the means to mitigate future losses, whenever possible.

Red Cross workers are accountable to those we seek to assist and those from whom we accept resources. Red

Cross acts as a link between those who wish to assist and those who need assistance during disasters. Therefore, Red

Cross is accountable to both constituencies. The provision of Red Cross disaster assistance is based on high standards

of professionalism and expertise on order to maximize valuable resources.

All of our dealings with donors and beneficiaries shall reflect an attitude of openness and transparency. We recognize

the need to report on our activities, both from a financial and effectiveness perspective.

7. In all disaster response activities we shall recognize disaster victims as dignified human beings. We shall portray

an objective image of the disaster situation where the capacities and aspirations of disaster victims are highlighted, and

not just their vulnerabilities and fears.

While we will cooperate with the media to enhance our response, we will not allow external or internal demands for

publicity to interfere with providing disaster relief assistance to victims.

—Adapted from the Code of Conduct prepared by the International Committee

and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent

American Red Cross Form 1492a - Local Disaster Volunteer Staff Registration Page 2

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