What are the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross?

The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross are essential guidelines that underpin the organization's mission and activities. They include Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

Humanity emphasizes the need to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found, ensuring respect for human dignity. Impartiality dictates that aid must be provided without discrimination, addressing the most urgent needs first. Neutrality means that the organization does not take sides in hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious, or ideological nature. Independence ensures that the Red Cross maintains autonomy in its actions, even in cooperation with governments and other organizations.

Voluntary Service reflects the organization’s non-profit nature, where services are provided for the sake of helping people, not for financial gain. Unity signifies that there can only be one Red Cross or Red Crescent society in each country, which is open to all, while Universality acknowledges the global nature of Red Cross activities and the responsibility to help one another across national boundaries.

The other options do not accurately reflect the guiding principles of the Red Cross, instead comprising values that may be relevant to various organizations or contexts but are not specific to the Red Cross's foundational framework.