Overview
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was established in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland. It is an independent, neutral and impartial humanitarian organisation mandated to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence.
ICRC operates under the Geneva Conventions and has a unique international legal status. Its core philosophy is to alleviate human suffering while maintaining strict neutrality, independence and confidentiality in all operations.
Mission and focus areas
ICRC’s mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and to promote respect for international humanitarian law (IHL). Its work focuses on conflict-related protection, emergency assistance, detention monitoring, restoring family links, and support for affected communities.
While not a sustainable finance organisation, ICRC is relevant to ESG and sustainability discussions through its work on human rights, conflict risk, and humanitarian impacts. Its analysis and guidance inform investors and institutions on conflict sensitivity, responsible business conduct in conflict-affected areas, and alignment with international humanitarian and human rights standards.
Structure and governance
ICRC is governed by an Assembly composed of Swiss nationals, which sets strategy and oversees management. The organisation is led by a President and a Directorate responsible for operational and administrative management.
Operations are delivered through regional and country delegations, supported by headquarters-based departments covering law and policy, operations, communication, and support services. This structure enables decentralised decision-making while maintaining consistent global standards.
Programs and offerings
ICRC delivers large-scale humanitarian operations in conflict zones, including emergency relief, medical assistance, and protection services. It also monitors detention conditions and engages confidentially with authorities to improve compliance with IHL.
In addition, ICRC produces authoritative publications, legal commentaries, policy reports, and data resources on armed conflict and humanitarian law. These outputs are widely used by governments, businesses, and financial institutions to assess conflict-related risks, human rights impacts, and responsible engagement in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Our mission statement
We don’t take sides
The ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance.
We are the guardians of international humanitarian law
The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.
We are part of the world’s largest humanitarian network
Established in 1863, the ICRC is at the origin of the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. During armed conflict and other situations of violence, the ICRC directs and coordinates the international activities carried out by members of the Movement.
