The American Red Cross works with a global network of Red Cross, Red Crescent and equivalent societies to  restore hope and dignity to the world’s vulnerable people. This International Red Cross movement brings emergency relief to disaster victims, and improves basic living conditions of those chronically deprived areas of the world. Guided by our seven Fundamental Principles – Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality – the American Red Cross partners with countless organizations in the efficient and effective relief of human suffering and the empowerment of people with the skills they need to help themselves.

The members of the International Red Cross Movement including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (Federation), and national societies like the American Red Cross or Mexican Red Cross, work together toward common goals during times of crisis or disaster. Programs are designed to meet ever-changing humanitarian needs and improve the human condition.

The American Red Cross is currently working with our sister societies in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, the Pacific, the Americas and in the former Soviet Union. With the generous support of the American people, the American Red Cross has developed into one of the strongest and most respected humanitarian service organizations in the world.

International Services initiatives focus on primary health care, emergency response and preparedness, restoring family links, and the dissemination of international humanitarian law. For each of these priority areas, we promote cost-effective, community-based programs, which target large numbers of people with humanitarian aid that is rapid, effective, and large-scale.

Primary Health Care – Our primary health initiatives focus on reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating infectious diseases.

Emergency Response and Preparedness – Our emergency response activities focus on relief supply distribution, water and sanitation services, and family linking. We also implement disaster preparedness programs to create more resilient communities with decreased dependence on external relief assistance.

Restoring Family Links – In collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross and 181 national societies, the American Red Cross works to locate loved ones who are missing due to war, natural disaster, or civil unrest and sends Red Cross messages between separated family members.

Dissemination of International Humanitarian Law – The American Red Cross educates the American public about the guiding principles of international humanitarian law, as set forth by the Geneva Conventions of 1949.