Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI)

Our commitment

In line with the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—particularly the principles of humanity and impartiality—and the Statutes of the Movement, we are committed to working towards a world where:

• Everyone’s needs are met.

• Fundamental rights are respected, protected and upheld.

• Every individual is treated with fairness and dignity and has equal opportunities.

• People can take part in decisions affecting their lives and communities.

• Every voice is heard and everyone is protected from harm.

We recognise that this vision cannot be achieved without a deep understanding of the causes and consequences of violence, discrimination and exclusion. Equally, fully applying the principle of “do no harm” requires the systematic integration of the PGI approach across all our actions.

Our PGI approachI

Protection

Within our PGI policy, protection refers to preventing harm and ensuring respect for human rights by safeguarding the physical, psychological and emotional safety, as well as the integrity and dignity, of people exposed to violence, discrimination and exclusion.

More broadly, protection means keeping people safe from harm while preserving their safety, physical integrity and dignity.

Gender and Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

Gender refers to the social differences between men, women and gender minorities, which vary across cultures and evolve over time. Gender shapes roles, power dynamics and access to resources for each person.

Gender-based violence (GBV) stems from a hierarchical system in which one gender holds more power over others, leading to inequality, discrimination and violence. Understanding this system is essential to effectively prevent and respond to GBV.

Inclusion

Inclusion aims to reduce inequalities related to social backgrounds, gender identities, disabilities and power dynamics. Providing inclusive services means ensuring equitable access to resources and rights for everyone. This involves:

• Critically analysing and challenging exclusionary mechanisms.

• Adopting inclusive practices that enable fair access to resources, services and opportunities.

• Taking determined action to combat exclusion, stigma and discrimination, while working towards their reduction and elimination.

In the long term, inclusion seeks to ensure that all individuals can enjoy equal opportunities and fully exercise their rights.