The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross:

Humanity - The Red Cross protects life and health and prevents and alleviates human suffering worldwide. 

Impartiality - The Red Cross provides humanitarian relief based on emergency-caused physical and mental health needs without regard to economic status, race, sex, religion, ethnicity, national origin, political beliefs or other affiliation.

Neutrality - The Red Cross provides services without taking sides in hostilities or engaging in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. 

Independence - The American Red Cross is not a government agency. In matters of emergency relief and humanitarian services, we may coordinate with relevant government agencies, but we are always careful, first and foremost, to act in accordance with our Fundamental Principles. 

Voluntary Service - The employees and volunteers of the Red Cross provide services voluntarily and are not prompted by personal gain. 

Unity - There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent organization (national society) in any one country. It must be open to all, and it must carry out its humanitarian work throughout its territory. 

Universality - The international Red Cross and Red Crescent is worldwide with more than 175 national societies. Each national society shares equal status and equal responsibilities and duties to help one another.