HOME	Working with Red Cross, Red Crescent and Equivalent Societies... Measles Initiative, School Chests... and the International Humanitarian Laws. The American Red Cross is a part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - - a phrase that symbolizes the unity of all Red Cross work carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and more than 160 Red Cross national societies around the world and in Israel. The mission of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is to relieve human suffering, wherever it may be found, to protect life and health, to ensure respect for the human being -- particularly in times of armed conflict and natural disaster, to help prevent disease, to promote health and social welfare and to encourage voluntary service. The fundamental principles of the Movement are
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	humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. International Tracing: The Red Cross provides international tracing services through a comprehensive global communications network. Through the network, the Red Cross helps locate, reunite and exchange messages between people separated from their loved ones because of war, civil disturbance or natural disaster. The Holocaust and War Victims Tracing and Information Center, a specialized unit of the American Red Cross International Social Services, opened in 1990. The center works closely with local units, including the Red Cross of Westmoreland County, to bring peace to those still seeking information about relatives separated from their families during World War II. International Humanitarian Law: The 1949 Geneva Conventions and 1977 Additional Protocols are the principal legal documents that define international humanitarian law. They define fundamental rights for civilians and for combatants removed from fighting due to injury, illness or capture. In short, anyone not taking part in an armed conflict must be protected and his or her rights respected. A new public education program is now reaching groups throughout the U.S. with presentations and informational materials about international humanitarian law. Help us make a difference, while helping your community... become a volunteer!!! Volunteer Information For more information on International Social Services, please email the Director at michael.felice@redcross.org.