Extract from “Commentary on the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross by Jean Pictet ”

1. Extractfrom“Commentary on the Fundamental Principles of the Red Crossby Jean Pictet”

2. Humanity The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours – in its international and national capacity – to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

3. Humanity Consist of • Historic reference as a reminder • 3 main elements • To prevent and alleviate suffering • To protect life and health • To assure respect for the individual • Programme

4. Humanity • Sentiment or attitude of someone who shows himself to be human • love which is extended even to our enemies • more a feeling than a principle • stand in first place • Red Cross need to work in peacetime • Never to forget that war is the decisive test • Charity is refer simply to the giving of alms • an effort demanded of Red Cross, either inwardly or from the outside • becomes a second nature • the person who is giving or helping must not make his pity felt, but must show a cheerful face to the world

5. Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours only to relieve suffering, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

6. Impartiality • End of World War II, soldiers reconquering their own country came to a small town. • The commander of the unit approached the hospital and told the in-charge that he had wounded men to leave at the hospital. • The hospital was already full of wounded enemy. "Put them out then and make room for our own men," the officer said. "Over my dead body" she replied

7. Impartiality • Non discrimination • Proportionality • Impartiality • Effort to "depersonalize" the charitable action • if the individual is guilty, he will be sentenced by the courts, but he must have the benefit of decent treatment and receive the care required to maintain his health.

8. Neutrality In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

9. Neutrality • Defines the attitude of the Red Cross towards belligerents and ideologies, it never determines its behaviour towards the human beings who suffer • Demands self-control; a form of discipline • Confidence is vital

10. Independence The Red Cross is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their Governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with Red Cross principles.

11. Independence • Sovereign in its decisions, acts and words • Guarantee of the neutrality • Auxiliary Status • Co-operation with the authorities, a link with the State and are subject to the law of the land • spontaneous and disinterested actions • lacking in material power, very weakness that Red Cross derives its true strength • social welfare work vs political drive

12. Voluntary service The Red Cross is a voluntary relief organization not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

13. Voluntary service • Comapre the following • someone who works of his own free will, without external compulsion • one serves not because of any constraint but because of a freely accepted commitment • Hazard • bureaucratism • amateurism

14. Voluntary service Limit the term "volunteers" or "voluntary workers" for Red Cross to people • offer their services free or for a low sum • either on a permanent or temporary basis. • right to wear the insignia of the Society or a special badge. Not enough to be generous and devoted & have a kind heart to be a useful volunteer. Also essential to be adequately trained. This may require some effort, which the true volunteer must accept.

15. Unity There can be only one Red Cross Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

16. Unity • Unity of leadership • Membership to be open to everyone • prevents sectarianism and a spirit of partisanship • right to exclude individuals on grounds of their moral character, and also on grounds of ability A National Society cannot establish a section in, or send a mission to a foreign country without the permission of the Red Cross Society in that country.

17. Universality The Red Cross is a worldwide institution in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.

18. Universality Red Cross Societies vary considerably in importance from one country to another • the equality of National Societies • the solidarity among National Societies