The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is independent. Although National Societies assist the authorities in their humanitarian activities as relief organisations and are subject to the laws of their respective countries, they must nevertheless maintain an autonomy that allows them to act at all times in accordance with the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
In order to maintain the confidence of all, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement refrains from taking part in hostilities or, at any time, in political, racial, religious or ideological conflicts.