Fundamental Principles
Seven fundamental principles form the heart and strength of the Red Cross. Red Cross societies around the world work according to these principles. They are the foundation of everything we do. That’s why we find it important that all our employees support and embody these principles in their actions.
Humanity: We serve people, not systems.
The Red Cross aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering. That is why we are committed to protecting people's lives, health and dignity.
Impartiality: We are here for victims, but also for offenders.
Anyone in need of help can count on the Red Cross. Race, religion, social class or nationality are irrelevant in this regard.
Neutrality: We support initiatives, but we never take sides.
We do not take sides in political, religious, racial, or ideological debates or conflicts. This neutrality allows us to support all those in need, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Independence: We listen to people's needs, not to those in power.
We set our own policies and make our own decisions. Our operations are not influenced by any external pressure or interference.
Volunteering: We work round the clock, but not for money.
Our volunteers do not participate in order to improve their financial or social circumstances. We do not seek to make a profit in our overall operations.
Unity: We have many strengths, but only one goal.
There is one Red Cross organisation active in Belgium: the Belgian Red Cross. Red Cross Flanders oversees Red Cross activities in Flanders and - together with the Red Cross of the French-speaking Community - also in Brussels.
Universality: We respect nations, but not borders.
Within the Movement, all national associations are equal. They have the same duty to help one another and the same right to count on the support of the others.
