Part IV The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, 39 The International Committee of the Red Cross: Legal Status, Privileges, and Immunities

Subject(s):

Military assistance — Military matters — Peace keeping

This chapter offers a brief description of the origin, mandate, and legal status of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC is an impartial, neutral, and independent organization that was founded in 1863. It endeavours to promote compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties to armed conflicts. It also seeks to provide protection and assistance to victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. Its activities are based on a mandate received from the community of States. In order to support the efficient fulfilment of its mandate, the ICRC was also recognized international status and was granted privileges and immunities under both international and domestic law.