ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses primarily on two aspects of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): (1) its changing mandate and (2) its relations with the corporate world. Regardless of global changes and the role of corporate donors and partners, the ICRC basic role remains the same in general; that role has always adjusted as the specifics of war, political violence, and societal instability shift. The organization remains focused mostly on political violence, but has expanded its concerns with regard to some post-violence conditions (e.g., protracted reconstruction needs) and pre-violence conditions (e.g., urban tensions). These changes are likely to remain. Economic migrants are similar to political prisoners in ICRC history, representing an extension of its protection and assistance functions. The organization continues to attract talented and dedicated personnel. Staff and budgets continue to grow, even if the underlying support from states, corporations, and other RC actors remains fragile and insufficient given the size of the humanitarian problems. Internal management and especially personnel policies also bear monitoring, although this is admittedly difficult for outsiders when facing an organization reticent about sensitive in-house matters. If there is a bright side to our fractured and violent world, part of that silver lining is the continued role of the ICRC and its determination to search for greater impact in protecting human dignity.
