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'''International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement'''

The '''International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement''' (pronunciation: /ɪnˈtɜːrnæʃənəl rɛd krɒs ænd rɛd ˈkrɛsənt ˈmuːvmənt/) is a global humanitarian network of 80 million people that helps those facing disaster, conflict, health and social problems. It consists of the [[International Committee of the Red Cross]], the [[International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies]] and the [[National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies]].

==Etymology==
The name "Red Cross" is derived from the red cross on a white background, the inverse of the Swiss flag, in honor of its founder, [[Henry Dunant]], a Swiss businessman. The "Red Crescent" was first used by the Ottoman Empire during the Russo-Turkish War in 1876, as an equivalent to the Red Cross.

==History==
The movement began in 1863 in Geneva, Switzerland, when Henry Dunant founded the International Committee of the Red Cross. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was established in 1919, in the aftermath of World War I. The National Societies, meanwhile, are individual humanitarian organizations that are recognized by their own governments and the international movement.

==Principles==
The movement operates on seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. These principles guide all activities and are binding on all members of the movement.

==Related Terms==
* [[Humanitarianism]]
* [[Disaster Management]]
* [[Health Care]]
* [[Social Services]]
* [[Conflict Resolution]]

==See Also==
* [[Geneva Conventions]]
* [[Emblem Controversy]]

[[Category:International Organizations]]
[[Category:Humanitarian Aid]]
[[Category:Health Care]]
[[Category:Disaster Management]]

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