About the Council of Delegates

The Council of Delegates of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement gathers together all the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the ICRC and the IFRC) to discuss matters concerning the Movement as a whole.

The Council of Delegates sets common strategies and ensures alignment within the Movement on approaches to global humanitarian issues. It contributes to strengthening cooperation and fostering relationships among the members.

When it is held in an International Conference year, the Council of Delegates precedes the International Conference and proposes the Conference’s officers and adopts its agenda.

The Council of Delegates takes place every two years. 

The Council is attended by components of the Movement only. The components are:
–  the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
–  the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
–  the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Like the International Conference, the Council of Delegates takes decisions in the form of resolutions, and endeavours to adopt them by consensus.  

The Council of Delegates (initially known as the Commission of Delegates) was established in 1884 during the 3rd International Conference. It brings together the National Societies, the ICRC and the IFRC and gives them a forum for discussion and cooperation on matters concerning the Movement, outside of discussions with States.  

In 1961, the Council of Delegates met for the first time outside the framework of the International Conference and dealt with issues that concerned the Movement only. Since then, the Council has gradually gained importance and cemented itself as a forum for settling matters of substance for the Movement.