International Committee of the Red Cross

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization that works to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It was founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman who was inspired by the suffering he saw during the Battle of Solferino.

The ICRC's mission is to:

• Prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.
• Provide relief to the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence.
• Redress the consequences of war and other situations of violence.
• Promote respect for the human person in armed conflict and other situations of violence.

The ICRC is funded by voluntary contributions from governments and private individuals. It is not affiliated with any government or political ideology.

The ICRC has a presence in over 80 countries. It works with national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, governments, and other organizations to provide humanitarian assistance. The ICRC's work includes:

• Providing medical care to the wounded and sick.
• Providing food and shelter to displaced people.
• Reuniting families separated by conflict.
• Monitoring the treatment of prisoners of war and other detainees.
• Advocating for the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

The ICRC is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. It has been awarded the prize twice, in 1917 and 1944.

The ICRC is a respected and independent organization that plays a vital role in protecting the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. Its work is essential to ensuring that the laws of war are respected and that humanitarian assistance is provided to those who need it most.