Red Cross

The work of the Red Cross is guided by international humanitarian law, primarily established in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. These legal frameworks ensure the protection of wounded soldiers, prisoners of war, civilians, and other victims of armed conflict.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) initiated the first Geneva Convention in 1864, leading states to formally adopt laws for humanitarian protection during warfare. Since then, the Red Cross Movement has advocated for adapting these laws to modern warfare, ensuring governments uphold them.

Today, all countries are bound by the four Geneva Conventions, which provide legal protection during armed conflicts. Over three-quarters of countries also adhere to the two Additional Protocols, which expand protections to victims of international and non-international conflicts. In 2005, a third protocol introduced the red crystal emblem as an alternative to the traditional red cross and red crescent symbols.

"The ICRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which also comprises 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The ICRC works closely with National Societies and the IFRC to ensure a concerted, efficient and rapid response to conflict or violence. The Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world."

Neutrality during wartime is not about being indifferent but about maintaining an impartial stance to provide aid effectively. By avoiding taking sides, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ensures that humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most. This crucial principle plays a vital role in saving lives and reuniting families affected by conflict. Join ICRC and artist Vaskange for a moment of reflection on the significance of neutrality in protecting vulnerable communities

Structure

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is governed by an Assembly, an Assembly Council (a subsidiary body with certain delegated powers) and a Directorate (the executive body). Both the Assembly, with up to 25 co-opted members of Swiss nationality, and the Assembly Council are chaired by the President, who is assisted by the Vice-President.

The Assembly

The Assembly is the highest governing body of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), overseeing operations, policy, and strategy. It defines objectives, approves budgets, and sets cooperation frameworks within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Comprising 15 to 25 Swiss nationals, members serve four-year terms, renewable twice, with a maximum age limit of 72 years. The Assembly also recognizes new National Societies that meet required conditions.

The Assembly Council

The Assembly Council operates as a subsidiary body of the Assembly, ensuring the efficient management of the ICRC, particularly in areas related to human resources and financial oversight. It prepares financial discussions for the Assembly, including matters requiring approval for funding reserves, budgets, and ICRC foundations. Additionally, it approves budget extensions and has the authority to act on behalf of the Assembly in urgent situations.

The Office of the President

The Office of the President is led by the ICRC President, who serves as the organization's global representative and plays a key role in humanitarian diplomacy. The President engages with governments, international organizations, and stakeholders, advocating for the protection of victims of armed conflict and ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law. This office also provides leadership on strategic decision-making and maintains the neutrality and independence of the ICRC in humanitarian operations.

The Directorate

The Directorate serves as the executive body of the ICRC, overseeing the implementation of institutional strategy and objectives set by the Assembly and Assembly Council. It manages ICRC staff and ensures the organization operates efficiently. Members are appointed by the Assembly for four-year terms, with the current Directorate beginning its mandate on 1 July 2022, consisting of six new members.

The Internal Audit Unit

The Internal Audit Unit is an independent oversight body that monitors performance and efficiency.

the Data Protection Commission

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) ensures that the ICRC’s handling of personal data complies with its protection rules and relevant regulations, while also making decisions on individuals’ rights in referred cases. If the ICRC Data Protection Office (DPO) cannot resolve a data protection issue, it may escalate the matter to the DPC, which also allows individuals to exercise their rights directly when necessary. Additionally, the DPC provides recommendations based on the cases it reviews or when consulted.

Operating with full independence, the DPC upholds data protection standards and safeguards privacy within the organization.

icrc_org_chart_1.7.22_final2_0.pdf

sourced from: icrc.org

organigram

President: Mirjana Spoljaric Egger

Vice-President: Gilles Carbonnier

Director-General: Pierre Krähenbühl

Director of Operations: Yasmine Praz Dessimoz

Chief Financial Officer: Marc Rivers

Director for Mobilization, Movement and Partnerships: Olivier Ray

Acting Director of International Law, Policy & Humanitarian Diplomacy: Eva Svoboda

Director of People and Culture: Claire Hoang Sperandio

Director of Support and Digital Transformation: Valérie Abrell Duong

Members of Assembly: Rémy Best, Aymo Brunetti, Edouard Bugnion, Christoph Franz, Katja Gentinetta, Maya Hertig Randall, Samia Hurst-Majno, Annelis Lüscher Hämmerli, Valérie Robert, Laura Sadis, Anjos Sapina, Béatrice Speiser, Suba Umathevan, Barbara Wildhaber

Policy supporting Structure

ICRC_Internal_Regulations_31.01.2024 EN_0 for assembly.pdf

The Internal Regulations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) serve as a governance framework, ensuring compliance with the organization's Statutes while regulating the activities of its governing bodies. These regulations define the roles and responsibilities of members, governing structures, financial management, and decision-making processes.

The document establishes protocols for recruitment, oversight, internal audits, data protection, and external evaluations, ensuring that the ICRC operates transparently and efficiently. It also outlines rules for budget approvals, ethical conduct, and governance assessments, reinforcing the organization's commitment to neutrality, independence, and humanitarian effectiveness.

Information sourced from: International Committee of the Red Cross

Page updated

Report abuse