International Committee of the Red Cross article. What is the international red cross and red po
"What is the International Red Cross and Red Crescent"
International Red Cross, international public organization. Unites the League of Red Cross Societies (LORC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and national societies. LOKK was created in 1919; it includes the national societies of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, Red Lion and Sun. The ICRC was founded in 1863; elected from among Swiss citizens; as a neutral mediator, provides humane assistance during armed conflicts (Nobel Peace Prize, 1917, 1944, 1963). Location - Geneva.
Born out of one man's passion for the plight of wounded soldiers, over the past 140 years the ICRC has helped millions of people affected by armed conflicts around the world.
In addition to its humanitarian programmes, the ICRC promotes the development of the law of armed conflict to ensure effective protection for those who do not or have ceased to take part in hostilities. The activities of the ICRC are based on the provisions of the Geneva Conventions.
The purpose of this work is to consider the history of the formation and activities of the International Red Cross.
History of the International Red Cross
RED CROSS, an international organization with branches in many countries, whose main purpose is to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The impetus for the creation of such an organization was the impressions of the young Swiss A. Dunant, who was among the neutral eyewitnesses of the Battle of Solferino in Italy on June 24, 1859. By the end of the day, approx. 40,000 dead and wounded. Horrified by the suffering of people to which no one paid attention, Dunant organized a help group consisting of volunteers. They purchased everything they needed, housed the wounded and cared for them. Three years later, Dunant published a short pamphlet describing the consequences of the battle, where he outlined ways to help people who found themselves in a similar situation. He proposed creating volunteer units in each country to provide assistance to victims of war and peacetime disasters. Dunant believed that the service for helping the sick and wounded should be neutral, and proposed taking the first steps towards its creation in peacetime. As a result, in 1864 (from August 8 to 22) a conference was held in Geneva with the participation of official representatives of 16 European countries, where the Geneva Convention of 1864 for the improvement of the lot of sick and wounded belligerent armies on the battlefield was adopted. This convention, signed by delegations from 12 countries, provided for the neutrality of armed forces medical personnel and civilians assisting them, humane treatment of the wounded, and also approved the international emblem of medical personnel. In honor of Dunant's homeland - Switzerland - a red cross on a white field was chosen as a symbol (the Swiss flag, where the red and white colors were swapped). The original Geneva Convention was revised and amended several times. Victims of military operations at sea (1907) and prisoners of war (1929) were taken under the protection of the Red Cross. The Geneva Convention for the Relief of Prisoners of War gave the Red Cross the right to monitor the conditions of their detention. Later, in 1949, its coverage was extended to civilians during the war. International Committee of the Red Cross. A group of prominent Swiss citizens who participated in the convening of the Geneva Conference went on to form the International Committee of the Red Cross. Its functions include the official recognition of new national organizations, the development of international humanitarian agreements (especially the Geneva Conventions) and the monitoring of their implementation; During wars and internal conflicts, the International Committee of the Red Cross acts as a neutral intermediary to provide assistance and protection to victims of hostilities, monitors the conditions of prisoners of war and makes recommendations for improving these conditions. The international committee, whose headquarters is in Geneva, is elected from among Swiss citizens. The International Conference of the Red Cross was first held in Paris in 1867. The Conference meets every four years and is the highest advisory body of the Red Cross. Its work involves representatives of national organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the League of Red Cross Societies and delegations of countries that have signed the Geneva Conventions. National Red Cross Societies. By 1900, Red Cross societies were organized in almost 30 countries. Extensive programs of activities in military conditions were developed. At the same time, the Red Cross also had new, peaceful tasks aimed at overcoming the consequences of natural disasters and developing healthcare. Today, these tasks are being addressed through a wide network of health, humanitarian assistance and security programs, as well as general and special educational programs. National Societies are independent voluntary organizations, although they receive their powers from their governments. These societies receive international recognition if the following conditions are met: the governments of their countries must strictly comply with the decisions of the Geneva Conventions; The activities of National Societies must be approved by their legitimate governments, and the societies themselves must comply with the statutes and be guided by the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross. The League of Red Cross Societies is an association of national organizations created in 1919. The initial goal of the League was to develop a program of mutual assistance and development designed for peacetime. Today, the main tasks of the League (which has a permanent secretariat in Geneva) include helping the newly formed Red Cross Societies, uniting the activities of its various groups, expanding the scope and resources of national organizations, and coordinating their efforts in the event of international natural disasters. The League of Red Cross Societies includes 106 national organizations with a total membership of more than 188 million people. The League is supported by voluntary donations from its members.
Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
HUMANITY
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of the desire to provide assistance to all wounded on the battlefield without exception or preference, strives in all circumstances, both internationally and nationally, to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The movement is designed to protect the life and health of people and ensure respect for the human person. It contributes to the achievement of mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace between peoples.
IMPARTIALITY
The movement does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, religion, class or political opinion. It only strives to alleviate the suffering of people, and first of all, those who need it most.
NEUTRALITY
In order to maintain general confidence, the Movement may not take sides in armed conflicts or enter into disputes of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
INDEPENDENCE
Movement is independent. National Societies, while assisting their governments in their humanitarian activities and subject to the laws of their country, must nevertheless always maintain autonomy in order to be able to act in accordance with the principles of the Red Cross.
VOLUNTARY
In its voluntary assistance activities, the Movement is in no way guided by a desire for profit.
UNITY
There can only be one National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society per country. It must be open to everyone and carry out its humanitarian activities throughout the country.
VERSATILITY
The movement is worldwide. All National Societies enjoy equal rights and are obliged to assist each other.
The Fundamental Principles were proclaimed at the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross in Vienna in 1965. This revised text forms part of the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, adopted at the XXV International Conference of the Red Cross, held in Geneva in 1986.
Red Cross emblems
The four parts of the Geneva Red Cross symbolized the four virtues: moderation, prudence, justice and courage. The sign was created by reversing the colors of the Swiss national flag at the suggestion of General Dufour, since Swiss citizens Henri Dunant and Gustav Moynier were the initiators of the 1862 conference, after which the International Committee of the Red Cross was formed. The logo image was approved by the conference participants due to its simplicity and ease of recognition. Later in 1876, Türkiye announced that it would use the red crescent as its emblem.
The Red Cross emblem is the key to all humanitarian activities - the emblem is designed to protect both the victims and the people who came to their aid. In countries with a predominantly Muslim population, traditionally, instead of the red cross emblem, a red crescent is used, thus, the RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT EMBLEM DOES NOT CARRY ANY RELIGIOUS OR POLITICAL MEANING, ARE NOT SYMBOLS OF MEDICINE AND ARE EQUAL IN USE.
international red cross humanitarian
The role of the International Red Cross in the formation of humanitarian norms in international conflicts
The ICRC is an organization that in its activities is strictly guided by the written law, and this law is called the Geneva Conventions, with all their articles and paragraphs of articles. This adherence to the letter of the law gives the ICRC's work precision and discipline, but some other humanitarian organizations (such as Doctors Without Borders) criticize the International Red Cross for being overly cautious and legalistic. Perhaps this is also due to the fact that officially its representatives distance themselves from other non-governmental organizations working in the same area, and from the UN. For example, during the war in Bosnia, they tried in every possible way to distinguish their activities from the actions of UN agencies, refusing, for example, to accompany columns of UN peacekeepers, since this could compromise their neutrality.
Still, the Red Cross, like its founder, plays a central role in campaigns to “civilize” warfare, such as the campaign to ban blinding laser weapons and landmines.
In addition, it is safe to say that representatives of this particular organization are the first to come to the zone of any conflict or disaster with an offer of help. Such actions implement the unspoken principle of the ICRC: “First to arrive, last to leave.” Often, Red Cross representatives remain in a conflict zone even when all other UN missions have withdrawn. This is what allows the ICRC to maintain its special position in the increasingly competitive field of international humanitarian assistance. But sometimes the International Red Cross pays dearly for its presence in an armed conflict zone. There are known cases when its employees were treacherously killed or kidnapped. But despite this, the ICRC refuses armed guards for its staff, hospitals and convoy escorts, thereby demonstrating its readiness to provide assistance to anyone who requests it and its independence from any government agencies.
Thus, the International Committee of the Red Cross throughout its existence, from its creation to the present day, has been carrying out activities to provide assistance to victims of various conflicts. Starting with practical activities, that is, directly treating victims, delivering food and medicine, etc., and ending with the theoretical development of documents of international importance, as well as taking measures to limit the spread of weapons that cause unnecessary suffering and inhumane methods of warfare.
The Geneva Conventions: the basis of international humanitarian law.
The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are part of international humanitarian law - a whole system of legal provisions that regulate the means and methods of warfare and provide protection to individuals.
Special protection is provided to those who do not take part in hostilities (civilians, medical personnel, religious workers and humanitarian workers), as well as to those who have ceased to take part in them (wounded, sick, shipwrecked and prisoners of war).
The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols call for measures to prevent (or eradicate) so-called “serious violations”. Those responsible for such violations must be punished.
More than 190 states, that is, almost all countries of the world, have joined the Geneva Conventions.
Russia has been a party to the Geneva Conventions since 1954, and the Additional Protocols since 1990.
The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977 are the main legal instruments of international humanitarian law:
Russian Red Cross Society
In many countries, national societies for helping the wounded were created.
One of the first among these countries was Russia. Our country already in 1867 decided to create the Red Cross Society. Empress Maria Alexandrovna undertook to petition Alexander II for permission to open the society and accepted it under her patronage. On May 3, 1867, the Society's Charter was submitted to the State Council and received the highest approval.
In May 1867, Sovereign Emperor Alexander II approved the charter of the Society for the Care of Wounded and Sick Soldiers (renamed the Russian Red Cross Society in 1879). The Tsar, all the great princes and princesses, many high-ranking officials and representatives of the highest clergy became honorary members of the society.
The Russian Red Cross is a public charitable organization that is a member of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The International KK and KP Movement unites over 500 million people in 181 countries around the world. The Russian Red Cross directs all its activities to providing assistance to people in need.
The status of the Red Cross organization and the provision of its activities are within the competence of the state. Thanks to the scale of its work, a global network of regional offices, extensive international connections and recognition of the population, the Russian Red Cross is Russia's leading non-governmental organization engaged in humanitarian work.
1996 - Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1056 “On state support of the Russian Red Cross Society.” Order of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 1237-r on the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation "On state support of the Russian Red Cross Society"
The main humanitarian programs of the Russian Red Cross are aimed at helping to develop healthcare, education and social support for the most vulnerable segments of the population: children from socially vulnerable families, homeless and neglected children, orphans, lonely elderly people and veterans, refugees and asylum seekers, people with with disabilities and persons injured in emergency situations.
The Russian Red Cross Society is a unique public organization. First of all, in terms of her age, her date of birth was 1867 (138 years old), and in terms of her status, having gone through historical eras and social cataclysms that Russia experienced in the last century, she managed to preserve her face - the face of Goodness and Mercy. ROCC is unique in its humane traditions, their bearers at all times - both in pre-revolutionary and Soviet times - were the best representatives of society, for whom selfless service to people became a way of life. And the ROCC is also unique in that among its voluntary ministers there were people now canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church. No national society in the world possesses such a sacred “gold fund”. And we have the right to be proud of this.
Conclusion:
In my coursework, I reviewed the fundamental principles of the Red Cross, the working conditions of the Red Cross, and the Red Cross codes.
So, as can be seen from this work, the International Committee of Red
The cross, having been created in the middle of the 19th century thanks to the experiences of one person, continues to function to this day according to the principles that were laid down during its creation. This activity is difficult to overestimate, since thanks to it millions of human lives were saved. Despite the difficulties that ICRC workers have to face in their work, they selflessly come to where people are waiting for help. But helping victims is not the only goal of the Red Cross. By providing support, he serves an equally important task: to defend during war the idea of human solidarity and respect for human dignity, when the real or imaginary needs of war push moral values into the background. Over many years of work. The ICRC has accumulated unique experience and has become truly the world's largest humanitarian organization. Close cooperation between regional organizations makes it possible to quickly and effectively respond to problematic situations arising around the world.
“The hand of the giver will not fail”, “Help your neighbor.”
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world's largest humanitarian association. The Movement's mission is to alleviate human suffering, protect human life and health and ensure respect for the human person, especially during armed conflicts and other emergency situations.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is represented in 190 countries and is supported by millions of volunteers. They are driven by the power of humanity.
Structure of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
The Movement includes: the International Committee of the Red Cross, national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
In August 1864, the Committee persuaded governments to accept the First Geneva Convention. This treaty obliged the armies to provide care for wounded soldiers, regardless of which side they belonged to, and to introduce a single protective emblem for the medical service: the Red Cross on a white background.
In subsequent years, national committees of the movement were formed in almost all European countries. Before the First World War, 50 years after the founding of the Red Cross and the adoption of the first Geneva Convention, there were 45 national wounded relief societies in the world. The movement spread beyond Europe and gained universal recognition.
GENEVA CONVENTIONS AND ADDITIONAL PROTOCOLS
The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are international agreements that contain the most important legal provisions limiting brutality in war. They provide protection for those not taking part in hostilities (civilians, medical personnel and humanitarian workers) as well as those no longer taking part in them (the wounded, sick, shipwrecked and prisoners of war).
The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are part of international humanitarian law - a whole system of legal provisions that regulate the means and methods of warfare and provide protection to individuals.
Special protection is provided to those who do not take part in hostilities (civilians, medical personnel, religious workers and humanitarian workers), as well as to those who have ceased to take part in them (wounded, sick, shipwrecked and prisoners of war).
The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols call for measures to prevent (or eradicate) so-called “serious violations”. Those responsible for such violations must be punished.
More than 190 states, that is, almost all countries of the world, have joined the Geneva Conventions.
Russia has been a party to the Geneva Conventions since 1954, and the Additional Protocols since 1990.
The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977 are the main legal instruments of international humanitarian law:
The Geneva Conventions also regulate the use of the Red Cross emblem and the phrase "Red Cross".
Introduction
International Red Cross, international public organization. Unites the League of Red Cross Societies (LORC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and national societies. LOKK was created in 1919; it includes the national societies of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, Red Lion and Sun. The ICRC was founded in 1863; elected from among Swiss citizens; as a neutral mediator, provides humane assistance during armed conflicts (Nobel Peace Prize, 1917, 1944, 1963). Location - Geneva.
Born out of one man's passion for the plight of wounded soldiers, over the past 140 years the ICRC has helped millions of people affected by armed conflicts around the world.
In addition to its humanitarian programmes, the ICRC promotes the development of the law of armed conflict to ensure effective protection for those who do not or have ceased to take part in hostilities. The activities of the ICRC are based on the provisions of the Geneva Conventions.
The purpose of this work is to consider the history of the formation and activities of the International Red Cross.
History of the International Red Cross
RED CROSS, an international organization with branches in many countries, whose main purpose is to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The impetus for the creation of such an organization was the impressions of the young Swiss A. Dunant, who was among the neutral eyewitnesses of the Battle of Solferino in Italy on June 24, 1859. By the end of the day, approx. 40,000 dead and wounded. Horrified by the suffering of people to which no one paid attention, Dunant organized a help group consisting of volunteers. They purchased everything they needed, housed the wounded and cared for them. Three years later, Dunant published a short pamphlet describing the consequences of the battle, where he outlined ways to help people who found themselves in a similar situation. He proposed creating volunteer units in each country to provide assistance to victims of war and peacetime disasters. Dunant believed that the service for helping the sick and wounded should be neutral, and proposed taking the first steps towards its creation in peacetime. As a result, in 1864 (from August 8 to 22) a conference was held in Geneva with the participation of official representatives of 16 European countries, where the Geneva Convention of 1864 for the improvement of the lot of sick and wounded belligerent armies on the battlefield was adopted. This convention, signed by delegations from 12 countries, provided for the neutrality of armed forces medical personnel and civilians assisting them, humane treatment of the wounded, and also approved the international emblem of medical personnel. In honor of Dunant's homeland - Switzerland - a red cross on a white field was chosen as a symbol (the Swiss flag, where the red and white colors were swapped). The original Geneva Convention was revised and amended several times. Victims of military operations at sea (1907) and prisoners of war (1929) were taken under the protection of the Red Cross. The Geneva Convention for the Relief of Prisoners of War gave the Red Cross the right to monitor the conditions of their detention. Later, in 1949, its coverage was extended to civilians during the war. International Committee of the Red Cross. A group of prominent Swiss citizens who participated in the convening of the Geneva Conference went on to form the International Committee of the Red Cross. Its functions include the official recognition of new national organizations, the development of international humanitarian agreements (especially the Geneva Conventions) and the monitoring of their implementation; During wars and internal conflicts, the International Committee of the Red Cross acts as a neutral intermediary to provide assistance and protection to victims of hostilities, monitors the conditions of prisoners of war and makes recommendations for improving these conditions. The international committee, whose headquarters is in Geneva, is elected from among Swiss citizens. The International Conference of the Red Cross was first held in Paris in 1867. The Conference meets every four years and is the highest advisory body of the Red Cross. Its work involves representatives of national organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the League of Red Cross Societies and delegations of countries that have signed the Geneva Conventions. National Red Cross Societies. By 1900, Red Cross societies were organized in almost 30 countries. Extensive programs of activities in military conditions were developed. At the same time, the Red Cross also had new, peaceful tasks aimed at overcoming the consequences of natural disasters and developing healthcare. Today, these tasks are being addressed through a wide network of health, humanitarian assistance and security programs, as well as general and special educational programs. National Societies are independent voluntary organizations, although they receive their powers from their governments. These societies receive international recognition if the following conditions are met: the governments of their countries must strictly comply with the decisions of the Geneva Conventions; The activities of National Societies must be approved by their legitimate governments, and the societies themselves must comply with the statutes and be guided by the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross. The League of Red Cross Societies is an association of national organizations created in 1919. The initial goal of the League was to develop a program of mutual assistance and development designed for peacetime. Today, the main tasks of the League (which has a permanent secretariat in Geneva) include helping the newly formed Red Cross Societies, uniting the activities of its various groups, expanding the scope and resources of national organizations and coordinating their efforts in the event of international natural disasters. The League of Red Cross Societies includes 106 national organizations with a total membership of more than 188 million people. The League is supported by voluntary donations from its members.
Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
HUMANITY
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of the desire to provide assistance to all wounded on the battlefield without exception or preference, strives in all circumstances, both internationally and nationally, to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The movement is designed to protect the life and health of people and ensure respect for the human person. It contributes to the achievement of mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace between peoples.
IMPARTIALITY
The movement does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, religion, class or political opinion. It only strives to alleviate the suffering of people, and first of all, those who need it most.
INDEPENDENCE
Movement is independent. National Societies, while assisting their governments in their humanitarian activities and subject to the laws of their country, must nevertheless always maintain autonomy in order to be able to act in accordance with the principles of the Red Cross.
VOLUNTARY
In its voluntary assistance activities, the Movement is in no way guided by a desire for profit.
UNITY
There can only be one National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society per country. It must be open to everyone and carry out its humanitarian activities throughout the country.
VERSATILITY
The movement is worldwide. All National Societies enjoy equal rights and are obliged to assist each other.
The Fundamental Principles were proclaimed at the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross in Vienna in 1965. This revised text forms part of the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, adopted at the XXV International Conference of the Red Cross, held in Geneva in 1986.
Red Cross emblems
The four parts of the Geneva Red Cross symbolized the four virtues: moderation, prudence, justice and courage. The sign was created by reversing the colors of the Swiss national flag at the suggestion of General Dufour, since Swiss citizens Henri Dunant and Gustav Moynier were the initiators of the 1862 conference, after which the International Committee of the Red Cross was formed. The logo image was approved by the conference participants due to its simplicity and ease of recognition. Later in 1876, Türkiye announced that it would use the red crescent as its emblem.
The Red Cross emblem is the key to all humanitarian activities - the emblem is designed to protect both the victims and the people who came to their aid. In countries with a predominantly Muslim population, traditionally, instead of the red cross emblem, a red crescent is used, thus, the RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT EMBLEM DOES NOT CARRY ANY RELIGIOUS OR POLITICAL MEANING, ARE NOT SYMBOLS OF MEDICINE AND ARE EQUAL IN USE.
international red cross humanitarian
The role of the International Red Cross in the formation of humanitarian norms in international conflicts
The ICRC is an organization that in its activities is strictly guided by the written law, and this law is called the Geneva Conventions, with all their articles and paragraphs of articles. This adherence to the letter of the law gives the ICRC's work precision and discipline, but some other humanitarian organizations (such as Doctors Without Borders) criticize the International Red Cross for being overly cautious and legalistic. Perhaps this is also due to the fact that officially its representatives distance themselves from other non-governmental organizations working in the same area, and from the UN. For example, during the war in Bosnia, they tried in every possible way to distinguish their activities from the actions of UN agencies, refusing, for example, to accompany columns of UN peacekeepers, since this could compromise their neutrality.
Contents of the article
RED CROSS– 1) International Red Cross Movement, the main goal is to prevent and alleviate human suffering. It consists of three parts: the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (formerly the League of Red Cross Societies). All of them are independent organizations, have their own charter and none of them is subordinate to the others. Once every two years they meet for a meeting of the Council of Delegates. The activities of all Red Cross organizations are based on 7 fundamental principles:
– humanity;
– impartiality;
– neutrality;
– independence;
– voluntary service;
– unity of purpose;
– versatility.
2) an emblem that, according to the Geneva Conventions, is assigned to humanitarian and medical transport, buildings, convoys and missions in order to protect them from attacks by conflicting parties. In most Islamic countries, the same role is played by the red crescent, and in Iran - by the red lion and the sun. The red Star of David is common in Israel, although it is not recognized by international humanitarian law. Currently, the Red Cross is developing new universal symbols that would not contain religious elements.
History of the Red Cross.
On June 24, 1859, Henri Dunant, a citizen of the Swiss canton of Geneva, on his way to Northern Italy to meet with Napoleon III, witnessed the bloody battle of Solferino between Franco-Sardinian and Austrian troops. Dunant spent the night after the battle in the small village of Castiglione, where more than nine thousand wounded French and Austrians were brought. He was shocked by the fact that neither the locals nor the French army were simply able to provide first aid to most of the wounded. The Swiss philanthropist spent several days in Castiglione, helping the wounded along with local residents. Returning to Geneva, he published his memoirs of the battle in 1862 Memory of Solferino (Le memoire de Solferino). Describing the Franco-Austrian War and the battle that took place, he wondered: is it possible to create a voluntary charitable organization that provides assistance to the wounded during wars and armed conflicts? The answer to this question was the creation of the Red Cross. Developing this idea, Dunant appealed to the governments of European countries with a request to develop and legally formulate basic international agreements regulating the practical activities of a volunteer non-governmental organization to provide assistance to the wounded and civilians affected during armed conflicts. Later, the legislative formalization of these agreements was reflected in Geneva Conventions (1949).
Dunant's memoirs were translated into almost all European languages and instantly became a bestseller. These memoirs were a reference book for many representatives of the European political elite.
The Geneva charitable society "La Société genevoise d"utilité publique" ("Geneva Union for the Maintenance of the Public Welfare") studied Dunant's publication in detail and established a committee to deal with the practical implementation of the recommendations. This body, consisting of 5 members, later became known as the International Committee Red Cross (ICRC) The first meeting of the ICRC took place on February 17, 1863. At the same time, a decision was made on the neutral status of the Red Cross, which was supposed to ensure its impartial and effective activities.
The Danish-Prussian War of 1864 was the first test of strength for the Red Cross. The ICRC decided to send two delegates to monitor the fighting and provide assistance to the wounded. Delegates wearing the ICRC symbol (a red cross on a white background) worked on both sides of the front and often acted as intermediaries between Danish and Prussian troops. This undoubtedly enhanced the ICRC's credibility as a neutral and impartial organization.
The ICRC did not provide direct assistance to the wounded and victims of armed conflict during the Austro-Prussian War (1866), which was largely due to Austria's reluctance to sign the Geneva Convention. However, using its authority, the ICRC managed to convince Prussia and Italy, which signed the convention, to comply with it unilaterally. The ICRC's first full-scale operation was to help those injured during the Franco-Prussian War (1870). During this military campaign, the Red Cross not only provided aid to the wounded, but also created a service to forward letters from prisoners of war to their families. During the Eastern Crisis (1875–1878) and the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), the Ottoman Empire allowed the activities of the Red Cross on its territory, however, obliging the ICRC to change its symbolism to the Red Crescent.
During World War I, the Red Cross primarily concentrated its efforts on aiding prisoners of war, civilians, and the repatriation of prisoners of war and refugees following the signing of the Armistice at Compiègne. The Red Cross also tried (although unsuccessfully) to force the conflicting parties to abandon the use of chemical weapons.
In the period between the world wars, the activities of the Red Cross were characterized not only by sending missions to areas of armed conflict, helping the wounded and refugees (for example, the ICRC provided assistance to Spanish refugees in France, during and after the end of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) , but also by collecting aid for the starving people of Soviet Russia in the 1920s.
The activities of the Red Cross during the Second World War were complicated by the total nature of the armed conflict, which affected not only military personnel, but to a huge extent the civilian population of the warring countries. At that time, international law included provisions for the protection of prisoners of war (Geneva Convention, signed on July 27, 1929), but assistance to civilians was not enshrined in international law. In addition, the Nazi regime did not recognize many international agreements at all. Therefore, the ICRC provided significant support to prisoners of war, while its missions to provide assistance to civilians and, in particular, concentration camp prisoners, were limited or completely impossible. The signing of four Geneva Conventions in 1949 and later two additional protocols significantly expanded the scope of the organization's activities. Thus, the Red Cross began to provide assistance not only to civilian and military victims of international and local internal conflicts, but also to political and non-political prisoners. In fact, the activities of the Red Cross have become global and comprehensive.
In 2002, ICRC staff visited over 2,000 places of detention and maintained individual contact with approximately 150,000 prisoners. It is estimated that they collected about 500 thousand and distributed about 450 thousand “Red Cross messages” to help reunite families separated by armed conflicts. The ICRC provided direct material assistance to 1.5 million people and provided access to drinking water and health care to several million people. The Red Cross has received the Nobel Peace Prize three times - in 1917, 1945 and 1963.
ICRC budget.
The ICRC's funding mainly consists of contributions from signatory states to the Geneva Conventions, national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, voluntary donations from international governmental (for example, the European Union) and non-governmental public organizations, as well as private individuals. At the end of each calendar year, the ICRC requests financial support for two main lines of its budget (the ICRC headquarters budget and the ICRC missions budget). Thus, he is trying to raise additional funds to carry out key missions in conflict zones. The Red Cross often makes similar requests during the calendar year. For example, in March 2003, the ICRC asked for emergency financial assistance from member countries, international organizations and individuals to cover costs associated with the activities of the ICRC mission in Iraq. Then it was necessary to collect 108 million Swiss francs.
According to the Red Cross (“Le CICR dans le monde, 2002”, avril 2003), in 2002 the expenses of this organization amounted to 821.7 million Swiss francs (of which 146.8 million were the budget of the Geneva headquarters, and 674, 9 million was spent on various missions). The total budget for 2003 amounted to 938.7 million francs (for reference - as of April 2003, 1 US dollar = 1,351 Swiss francs).
A significant portion of the incoming funds (approximately 41% of the budget or 307.3 million francs) is spent on supporting Red Cross missions on the African continent, followed by Asia (159.6 million francs or 21.2% of the budget) and the Euro-Atlantic region ( Europe and North America) - 120.2 million francs or 16% of the budget. At the beginning of the 21st century. the most “expensive” missions of the Red Cross are: Afghanistan (budget - 89.6 million francs), Israel and the Palestinian Authority (71.2 million francs), Russian Federation (47.5 million francs), Democratic Republic of the Congo (46.4 million francs), Sudan (46.1 million francs), Colombia (34.8 million francs) and Rwanda (27.4 million francs)
Structure of the ICRC.
The International Committee of the Red Cross is governed by the ICRC Assembly (the highest authority), the Assembly Council (the body of the Assembly acting on a permanent basis on its behalf) and the ICRC Directorate (the organization's executive body). ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger, a doctor at the University of Zurich and former Swiss Foreign Minister, simultaneously heads the Assembly Council and the ICRC Assembly itself.
The ICRC Assembly exercises basic control over the activities of the Red Cross, develops the doctrine of the ICRC, its main goals, organizational strategy and determines the key areas of activity of this organization. The Assembly also adopts the ICRC's budget and monitors its implementation. The Assembly consists of Members of the ICRC and, in essence, is a collegial decision-making body. The President of the Assembly and the two Vice-Presidents are respectively the President and Vice-Presidents of the ICRC. Sometimes the Assembly delegates some of its powers to the Assembly Council.
ICRC Assembly Council consists of five members directly elected by the Assembly. The President of the ICRC also heads the Assembly Council itself. The Council ensures the daily functioning of the Assembly, develops the main strategic directions of the ICRC's activities: budgetary, information and personnel policies of the Red Cross, public relations, maintaining contacts between the Directorate and the Assembly.
ICRC Directorate, as the executive body of the ICRC, is responsible for the implementation of the main tasks and implementation of the organizational strategy, as determined by the Assembly and the Council of the Assembly. The Directorate is also responsible for the effectiveness of the Red Cross administration. It is appointed by the Assembly and consists of a Director General (Angelo Gnedinger, January 2004) and five Directors (Operational Support, Mission, Human Resources, Information and Public Relations, International Law and Cooperation).
The International Conference of the Red Cross is the highest advisory body of the Red Cross. It was held for the first time in Paris in 1867. Since then it has been held regularly, once every four years. Its work involves representatives of national organizations of the Red Cross, the ICRC, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, as well as delegations from countries that have signed the main Geneva Conventions. The International Federation of National Red Cross Societies, established in 178 countries, and the ICRC are components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement ICRC. The ICRC and the Federation are guided by identical principles, while at the same time being independent organizations. National Red Cross Societies are autonomous organizations. It should be noted, however, that some of their powers are delegated by the governments of the respective countries. In their activities, national societies are guided by their charters (based on the basic principles of the ICRC) and national legislation when solving pressing problems, such as: providing humanitarian assistance, developing and implementing educational programs, and providing assistance in the field of health care.
The Red Cross Society in Russia was founded on May 15, 1867 and officially registered as the “Russian Society for the Care of Wounded and Sick Soldiers.” The society was patronized by Empress Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Emperor Alexander II. In 1925 it was renamed the Union of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the USSR. After the collapse of the USSR, the organization changed its name to the “Russian Red Cross” and is currently part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Red Cross Society pursued an active humanitarian policy: during the Civil War it had its own hospitals and anti-epidemic units; in Soviet times, the Red Cross built the Artek pioneer camp with its own money. In 1919, national Red Cross societies organized the League of Red Cross Societies (later the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) to develop a program of mutual aid and development in peacetime. Assisting new National Red Cross Societies, expanding the scope of activities of national organizations and coordinating their efforts to overcome large-scale natural disasters are among the main tasks of the League. The permanent secretariat of the League is located in Geneva; the League itself, supported by voluntary donations, includes over 100 national societies with a total membership of more than 108 million people. At the moment, the union of the ICRC, the League of Red Cross Societies and national societies is designated as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Legislative framework.
Geneva Conventions And Statutes of the International Committee of the Red Cross adopted on June 24, 1998 at the ICRC Assembly are the legal basis defining the activities of the movement. The statutes, consisting of 18 articles, define the mission of the Red Cross, a new organizational structure, control over the expenditure of funds and the management of property, the budget of the ICRC, issues of membership in the Red Cross and the organization's relationship with governmental and non-governmental organizations. The statutes also highlight the fact that the ICRC is one of the main defenders of the rule of international law.
Main Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of the Wounded on the Battlefield (The Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field) was signed on August 22, 1864 in Geneva by the member states of the Red Cross. The contracting parties did not stop there and decided to expand the jurisdiction of the “law of war”. In 1868, the so-called “St. Petersburg Declaration” was adopted, which prohibited the use of certain types of artillery shells. Over the following years, a number of significant amendments and additions were adopted to the Geneva Convention. In particular, the jurisdiction of the “law of war” began to extend not only to ground forces, but also to naval forces, and in 1929 a special amendment was adopted regulating the treatment of prisoners of war during armed conflicts.
The horrors of World War II and the enormous civilian casualties forced the ICRC to completely reconsider the humanitarian law that existed at that time. The result of numerous negotiations was the signing in 1949 of four Geneva Conventions, including the basic principles and norms of humanitarian law and the “law of war”:
First Convention ( Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field) determined the attitude towards wounded and sick military personnel of the ground forces in the theater of military operations; Second Convention ( Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea), similar to the first, belonged to the naval forces; Third Convention ( Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War) regulated the attitude towards prisoners of war, and the Fourth
(Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949) defined the legal rules applicable to civilians during armed conflicts.
In 1977, two additional protocols to the main Geneva Conventions were adopted ( Protocol for the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts And Protocol for the Protection of Victims of Internal Armed Conflicts). The main purpose of these Protocols is to adapt existing international humanitarian law to the new realities of international and local armed conflicts.
Internet resources: official ICRC website - www.icrc.org
Danila Bochkarev
ICRC - what is it? Perhaps when Muscovites mention this abbreviation, one of the most interesting educational institutions in the capital immediately comes to mind. ICRC named after Sholokhov stands for Moscow Cossack Cadet Corps. This is an educational institution where young men of different ages study. The education program is very extensive. The building's pride is a musical and instrumental ensemble and a museum dedicated to the memory of the great Russian writer, Cossack singer, Mikhail Sholokhov. However, in our article today we will not talk about him, but about an amazing organization that much earlier received the same name - the ICRC.
Every day there is a war going on somewhere. Using brute force is the most common way to resolve conflict. To help people who suffered as a result of such actions, an organization was created, which over time received international status.
The abbreviation ICRC stands for International Committee of the Red Cross. This organization is part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It was organized in Geneva as a humanitarian organization. The abbreviation was introduced for ease of use in colloquial speech, since the name is quite long.
ICRC - what is it? What are its goals and objectives? What is the meaning of the activity? Does it bring profit to anyone? Many issues are associated with this organization. After all, her actions are related exclusively to helping the victims, and many people simply do not believe in selflessness.
The history of its creation
The organization was created in 1863 at one of the international conferences in Geneva. The initiator was the Geneva Welfare Society after a resonant book by a journalist who witnessed a battle involving French and Austrian troops. He described in detail what he saw on the battlefield.
As a result, the organization spread throughout the world. The red cross on a white canvas has become a symbol of help and support for those suffering, a symbol of the ICRC. The emblem was adopted by all states that signed the Geneva Conventions.
What is it?
The purpose of this independent humanitarian organization is expressed in the principle that even war must be fought within certain limits. Civilians should not suffer. First medical aid should be provided to victims, organized from “hot spots”, etc.
Representatives of the ICRC carried out their activities on the territory of Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Iraq, that is, in those countries where military operations took place. Where is the ICRC's assistance currently being sent? Ukraine and Israel are now the most unstable states in a state of military conflict.
Legally, the ICRC is not formalized as an international organization. But it is recognized as such for the reason that its activities are carried out on the territory of all states and are based on international law.
What does the ICRC do? Examples
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC hereinafter) bases its activities on the principles of independence, neutrality, voluntariness, impartiality, humanity, unity and universality. They characterize the actions that ICRC delegates perform while in conflict areas.
The organization is completely voluntary and includes exclusively volunteers who are willing to risk their health and even their lives for the sake of others. Its representatives do not have the right to accept the position of one of the conflicting parties and must remain neutral.
Its main activities are aimed at providing But in some cases, ICRC members also provide medical and psychological support to victims of military operations.
Who funds the ICRC?
The ICRC was founded as a charitable organization and exists solely on donations that are voluntarily contributed by countries party to the Geneva Convention, public and private organizations.
Donations can be made in a variety of ways. Some private organizations provide the ICRC with the necessary medicines, equipment, things, food, etc. They even provide housing for refugees and provide them with work. Help can be expressed not only in monetary terms. This is what makes the ICRC universal and absolutely independent of other people's opinions. There will always be people willing to help and support those who need it.
Donations to the ICRC cannot include weapons of any kind. Representatives of the organization do not have the right to interfere in military operations, but can only provide assistance to the victims. These are the basic principles of the activities of other charitable organizations.
Working for the ICRC. What does this give?
ICRC delegations operate on all continents. More than a thousand ICRC representatives organize volunteer work in various countries. Since the organization is engaged in versatile support, the specialists who are part of it are of various profiles and have many skills that are non-standard for their specialization.
The main qualities that a representative from the ICRC must have are stress resistance, communication skills and intelligence. After all, sometimes you have to find a way out of difficult and dangerous situations without losing your composure. The most in demand are traumatologists and psychologists. Experience working in the Ministry of Emergency Situations and other similar organizations is welcome.
ICRC skills attract employers who are looking for a position with responsibility and who is not afraid to change their lifestyle and strives to make a difference in the world.
Main activities of the ICRC
ICRC delegates have the right to visit prisoners of war held during an international military conflict. The warring parties are obliged to provide access to prisoners so that delegates can ensure compliance (conditions of detention, food) and exclude cruel treatment, which is unacceptable under the Geneva Convention. And also talk privately with prisoners, provide them with the necessary help and support, convey messages or letters from relatives.
In the event of internal conflict in a country, the ICRC can only offer its assistance or respond to a call for help from the authorities. But the authorities may not accept the offer of help.
Another aspect of the ICRC's activities is coordinated by the Central Tracing Agency, whose work is carried out in several directions at once. The agency collects information about victims of military conflicts to provide them with various types of assistance, searches for family members who have lost each other, prepares and sends official appeals to state authorities on behalf of relatives to find out information about missing persons.
The main activity is aimed at providing assistance to victims of hostilities, especially prisoners of war and civilians.
What kind of assistance does the ICRC provide?
Humanitarian assistance from the ICRC - what could it be? First of all, humanitarian aid is considered to be food, warm things (clothes, shoes, blankets, etc.),
The concept of assistance to victims of war includes providing housing to migrants from occupied territories, providing the necessary minimum set of furniture, dishes and household items. This could be resettlement in specially organized dormitories, in apartments of citizens ready to accept migrants, or the creation of tent cities and the construction of temporary housing.
Rural areas are characterized by ICRC assistance in supporting agriculture, providing veterinary services and distributing planting seeds and equipment.
Providing water supply to the population is a top priority for the occupied territories. This assistance consists of delivering water to regions where there is no access to water supply, as well as restoring water towers and drilling wells.
Help from the ICRC - what does it give the state? For a country where hostilities are taking place, the ICRC provides the necessary assistance, thereby helping the authorities to focus on a peaceful resolution of the problem.