Österreichisches Rotes Kreuz

Description

The Red Cross is the largest humanitarian non-profit organization in Austria. "Improving the lives of people in need and the socially disadvantaged through the power of humanity" is the mission statement of the International Federation and all Red Cross and Red Crescent societies worldwide.

OUR PRINCIPLES: THIS IS HOW WE ACT

The international Red Cross and Red Crescent movement is founded on arguably the best idea in the world: to provide indiscriminate assistance where help is needed.

"Improving the lives of people in need and the socially disadvantaged through the power of humanity" is the mission statement of the International Federation and all its now 192 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Out of love for people, around 85,000 Red Cross Helfer_innen in Austria alone – 74,000 of them in their spare time – are there for all people who need help.

Whether in the rescue service, in nursing & care, youth work or in first aid: The seven principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntariness, unity and universality serve as the basis of daily cooperation. No matter where someone comes from, what religion, social status, gender or age he or she has: Red Cross Helfer_innen are equally there for everyone.

The seven principles set out how we help. All over the world, the international Red Cross and Red Crescent movement acts according to these seven principles.

THE PRINCIPLES AT A GLANCE

Humanity

Stands above all principles. Man is always and everywhere a fellow human being. That is what we act upon.

Impartiality

Help in need knows no differences. We do not differentiate according to nationality, ancestry, religion, social position or political opinion. We help people according to the measure of their need.

Neutrality

To help, we need everyone's trust. In order to maintain everyone's trust, we refrain from participating in hostilities as well as, at any time, in political, ethnic, religious or ideological disputes.

Independence

Our principles need self-determination. We are independent. Although we support the authorities as an aid society, we must maintain our independence in order to be able to act according to our principles at all times.

Voluntariness

Real help doesn't need self-interest. We help voluntarily, unselfishly and without any profit.

Unit 

Unique in each country and open to all. In each country there can be only one national Red Cross or Red Crescent society. It must be open to all and carry out its humanitarian activities throughout the territory.

Universality

The humanitarian duty is global!