Our ways of working

All Red Cross work is guided by the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement - Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

Learn more about the Fundamental Principles »

As auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, Red Cross is afforded a unique position in the humanitarian sector which includes a specific mandate in times of war but extends to many other humanitarian activities such as disasters and emergencies.

Recognising and focusing on the inherent strengths of all people, we actively work to ensure that individuals and communities are empowered to have a voice and to be more able to take control of their own lives and environments. This includes providing support to develop their own goals and to access necessary resources, skills development, social connections and services to achieve those goals.

While we will continue to support and respond to crises that emerge, we will focus on the early identification and response to issues that can prevent further vulnerability and help to break the cycle of disadvantage, wherever possible.

We work in partnership with community groups, business, governments and other not-for profit organisations to identify and respond to needs in communities and seek to complement rather than duplicate their efforts.

We use community development approaches and principles in our work. Through these, we work to empower and support communities to create their own solutions which improve overall social cohesion and achieve sustainable long term change.

Our work is informed by, and contributes to, empirical evidence of what works. We draw on international and local research and experience to deliver well planned, measured, and evaluated programs and services.

Research and reports »

Red Cross advocacy (or humanitarian diplomacy), is aimed at persuading and influencing decision makers and opinion leaders to act at all times in the interests of vulnerable people, and with full respect for fundamental humanitarian principles.

We invest in communities and volunteers by increasing voluntary service in communities as a vital enabler of personal growth, community strengthening and social cohesion.

We are committed to a place-based, collaborative and joined-up approach - working in disadvantaged areas with people in greatest need. This is done through adopting a community development approach, working closely with other agencies and applying rigorous analysis of available research.

We are committed to engaging young people to support our vision, contribute to our work, and become our future leaders. We also work to ensure that our services and activities are accessible to young people from all backgrounds.