Los Angeles Chapter — Part of the Worldwide Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement

As part of the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles chapter is affiliated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network.

The Movement is neutral and impartial, providing protection and assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts. Unified and guided by seven Fundamental Principles —humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality — the Movement ia comprised of three components:

• The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
• 186 member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC is at the root of both the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and of international humanitarian law, notably the Geneva Conventions.

As the custodian of the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has a permanent mandate under international law to visit prisons, organize relief operations, reunite separated families and undertake other humanitarian activities during armed conflicts. The ICRC also works to meet the needs of internally displaced persons, raise public awareness of the dangers of mines and explosive remnants of war and trace people who are missing due to conflicts. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the ICRC coordinates the response by national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies during conflicts.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a global humanitarian organization, which coordinates and directs international assistance following natural and man-made disasters in non-conflict situations. The International Federation works with National Societies in responding to catastrophes around the world. Its relief operations are combined with development work, including disaster preparedness programs, health and care activities, and the promotion of humanitarian values. In particular, it supports programs fighting the spread of diseases, such as HIV, tuberculosis, measles avian influenza and malaria. The organization also works to combat discrimination and violence, and promote human rights and assistance for migrants.

The American Red Cross is one of 186 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. National Societies provide a range of services including disaster relief, and health and social programs. During times of conflict, National Societies assist the affected civilian population and support the army medical services where appropriate. The ICRC, the Federation and the National Societies are independent bodies. Each has its own individual status and exercises no authority over the others.The American Red Cross is one of 186 Societies worldwide providing a wide range of services in their respective countries, including disaster relief and health and social programs. All Red Cross and Red Crescent Society activities have one central purpose: to help those who suffer, without discrimination whether it be during conflict, in response to natural or man-made disasters, or to alleviate the suffering brought by conditions of chronic poverty.