Since that time, at every Conference, the representatives of the Red Cross world rise to their feet to hear the solemn reading of those principles. The Twentieth International Red Cross Conference, meeting in Vienna in 1965, proclaimed the “fundamental principles upon which Red Cross action is based”. The Red Cross is a world-wide institution in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. There can be only one Red Cross Society in any one country. The Red Cross is a voluntary relief organization not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of t heir 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 Red Cross principles. 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, racial, religious or ideological nature.
It endeavours only to relieve suffering, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress. It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all peoples. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. The Red Cross, 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.
The XXth International Conference of the Red Cross proclaims the following fundamental principles on which Red Cross action is based: Proclamation of the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross
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