Handbook of the international red cross and red crescent movement

Part Two
of the Handbook, traditionally devoted to statutes, regulations and other
normative texts in force within the Movement, has been almost entirely revised
from the previous edition. Most of the changes are the result of amendments of the
Statutes and Rules of Procedures of the Movement after the adoption of Protocol
III additional to the Geneva Conventions in 2005, the revision by the governing
bodies of the ICRC and the Federation of their institutions’ respective statutes and
the adoption in 1997 of the Agreement on the organization of the international
activities of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement (Seville Agreement) and in 2005 of the supplementary measures to
enhance the implementation of the Seville Agreement.

---

FOREWORD
19
In addition, the texts relating to the use of the emblem by the National Societies and
to relief operations in disaster situations have been expanded, taking into account
recent experience and the needs that have become apparent over the past decade.
Part Three
of this Handbook covers the main policies, strategies and plan of action
of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This part contains nor-
mative texts such as those relative to the Fundamental Principles, to the promotion
of non-discrimination, to the organization of National Societies and their relations
with actors outside the Movement. It also includes the Strategy for the International
Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, updated in 2005. Texts on National Societies
as auxiliaries to the public authorities in the humanitarian field and others on the
guidance of relations with other actors outside the Movement such as corporate sec-
tor partnerships and military bodies can be found here.
Finally this part includes plans of action to strengthen humanitarian activities of
the components of the Movement in specific areas such as the restoring family links
strategy.
As in previous editions, Part Four (formerly Part Three), contains a revised and
updated selection of the main resolutions of the International Conference, the
Council of Delegates and the Federation’s General Assembly..
Generally speaking, these are important resolutions of the past few decades relat-
ing to the Movement’s organization, activities, policy guidelines and humanitarian
concerns.Also included are some resolutions adopted before the 20th International
Conference (Vienna, 1965) that have lost none of their validity and topical interest,
and a number of landmark resolutions in Red Cross and Red Crescent work.
As in the previous editions, the resolutions have been classified according to sub-
ject. To take into account recent developments in a number of areas, several chap-
ters have been added to the sections devoted to international humanitarian law
and to the activities of the components of the Movement in conflict and natural
disaster situations.
Ultimately, a complete version of all the resolutions adopted within the Movement
will be put on a CD-ROM to facilitate easy reference at all times. A special pocket
at the back of the Handbook has been provided for this.
The Annexes include a chronological list of resolutions contained in Part Three
and Part Four and provide brief information on the Movement’s statutory meet-
ings, successive leaders, and the medals and prizes awarded.
International Committee 
International Federation
of the Red Cross 
of Red Cross and Red Crescent 
Societies

---

---