A new International Committee of the Red Cross?

Abstract

The International Committee of the Red Cross has instituted a number of changes that seem to transform this old and widely respected organization. These changes involve an expanded role, a fuller relationship with for-profit corporations, a search for new partners beyond the business world, a willingness to use standards in addition to international humanitarian law, and new management practices for a larger agency with different personnel. This article reviews the nature of the changes and evaluates whether they are well considered. The conclusion argues: there is indeed much change at the ICRC, complete evaluation will take time, and particular attention should be paid to two issues: the ICRC’s president being on the governing board of the World Economic Forum, and whether a humanitarian organization should urge others to make money in responding to disasters.