Vision of the Hungarian Red Cross
By mobilizing the power of humanity the Hungarian Red Cross helps to achieve an environment that is free from poverty, violence, and prejudice which promotes a country with more secure living and health conditions that enables us all to live together.
Fundamental Principles
The Hungarian Red Cross was established in 1881. It was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1882. Since 1921 it has been a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
It carries out its activities on the basis of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, “For the protection of the victims of war”, to which the Republic of Hungary is party. The activities of the Hungarian Red Cross are based on the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement which are the following:
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Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for any human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
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Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
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Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
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Independence
The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
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Voluntary Service
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
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Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
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Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
