The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian network. Its secretariat supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 191 countries, bringing together over 16 million volunteers, members, and staff worldwide. The organization was founded to protect human life and health, ensure respect for all humans, and prevent and alleviate human suffering. Three distinct organizations within the Movement are legally independent of each other but united through common basic principles, objectives, symbols, statutes, and governing organizations.

The three parts of the Movement are:

1. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
2. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
3. National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies