British Red Cross Humanitarian Policy: Humanitarian principles in action

The British Red Cross plays an important role in the global humanitarian landscape. We use our unique position, expertise and partnerships to make sure that humanitarian action is more effective, principled, and responsive to people’s needs.

Our efforts contribute to the goals of easing suffering, protecting human dignity and building resilience in communities worldwide.

Speaking up for principled humanitarian action

We believe aid works best when it:

• follows the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence
• remains distinct from political, security, economic and military objectives
• is led by local communities and responders.

This approach allows us to work in the most challenging situations and reach people in the hardest-to-access areas.

Our key focus areas

Principled humanitarian action and international humanitarian law

We promote respect for international humanitarian law and the delivery of assistance that follows core humanitarian principles. 

This includes work to:

• Protect the delivery of humanitarian services in conflicts.
• Ensure access to people in need.
• Promote respect for the rules of war that protect civilians and aid workers.

Working with local communities 

We champion action that is locally led and owned. 

This means we:

• Support local organisations to lead responses in their own communities.
• Advocate for more direct funding to local humanitarian organisations.
• Work towards more equal partnerships between international and local organisations.

Migration and displacement 

We support migrants and displaced people based on individual needs and irrespective of their reason for moving or their legal status. The Red Cross and Red Crescent global network is present along migration routes on land and sea, in host communities, and in countries of origin, transit and destination. 

In our work, we:

• Advocate for safe routes for people seeking protection.
• Seek to uphold the safety, protection and dignity of all people affected by migration and displacement.
• Promote access to essential services and assistance and measures to support community resilience.

Climate change and early action 

We promote action to address the humanitarian impacts of climate change. 

This includes efforts to:

• Support communities to prepare for and adapt to climate risks.
• Advocate for action before disasters strikes.
• Ensure funding for local organisations working on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Humanitarian diplomacy in emergencies

We advocate for effective humanitarian responses during major crises:

This means we:

• Work with decision-makers to ensure humanitarian needs are prioritised.
• Promote principled approaches to emergency response.
• Help make sure that people have resources based on their needs rather than political interests.

Protracted crises

We speak up for people caught in forgotten crises. 

Many humanitarian emergencies do not get much attention or funding despite huge need. We advocate for ongoing support to people caught up in these crises and work to make sure aid is distributed fairly and based on need.

Who we work with

• UK government departments, particularly the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• other Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
• think tanks and research organisations
• other humanitarian organisations and networks
• local organisations and communities affected by crisis

Our research and evidence

We produce research and policy analysis across our focus areas. 

Our recommendations are based on experience and expertise from across the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.