The principles of the Red Cross
The operations of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are steered by seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, universality and unity.
These principles have also steered the work of the Finnish Red Cross for over 50 years.
The Red Cross promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all people.
Humanity
Preventing and alleviating human suffering in any way possible is the main mission and goal of the operations of the Red Cross. Its purpose is to protect human life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all people.
Impartiality
The Red Cross makes no discrimination as to nationality, religious beliefs, race, political opinions, or class. 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.
Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, religious, ethnic or ideological nature.
Independence
The Red Cross Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws 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 Red Cross.
Voluntary service
The Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is worldwide. All its national Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.
Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all, and it must carry its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
