Раздел VIII. ЗАКЛЮЧИТЕЛЬНЫЕ ПОЛОЖЕНИЯ
Статья 39«Устав Международной Федерации обществ Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца» [рус., англ.]
Актуально на 10.11.2026.
Как цитировать: Статья 39. "Устав Международной Федерации обществ Красного Креста и Красного Полумесяца" [рус., англ.]. https://bukva.ai/docs/ustav-mezhdunarodnoy-federatsii-obschestv/statya-39
1. Настоящий Устав вступает в силу 26 ноября 1987 года по окончании VI сессии Генеральной ассамблеи, состоявшейся в городе Рио-де-Жанейро 23 — 26 ноября 1987 года, за исключением статьи 22, пункты 4 и 6, которые вступают в силу 23 ноября 1987 года, и статей 16 - 21, вступающих в силу по окончании VII сессии Ассамблеи.
The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, affirm their attachment to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement which are:
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, 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 the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
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.
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.
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.
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
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.
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.
The Federation recalls that the mottoes «Inter arma caritas» and «Per humanitatem ad pacem», together express the ideals of the Movement.
1. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (hereinafter called «the Federation») comprises the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (hereinafter called «National Societies»). It acts under its own Constitution with all rights and obligations of a corporate body with a legal personality.
2. The Federation is a component of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (hereinafter called «the Movement»).
3. The headquarters of the Federation is in Geneva.
4. When the words «National Society» are used in this Constitution, they refer to those National Societies which have been recognized in accordance with the Statutes of the Movement.
1. The general object of the Federation is to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by the National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and the promotion of peace in the world.
1. To achieve the general object as defined in Article 2 of this Constitution and in the context of the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (hereinafter called «the Fundamental Principles») the Statutes of the Movement and the resolutions of the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (hereinafter called «the International Conference»), the functions of the Federation shall, inter alia, be the following:
a) to act as the permanent body of liaison, coordination and study between the National Societies and to give them any assistance they might request;
b) to encourage and promote in every country the establishment and development of an independent and duly recognized National Society;
c) to bring relief by all available means to all disaster victims;
d) to assist the National Societies in their disaster relief preparedness, in the organization of their relief actions and in the relief operations themselves;
e) to organize, coordinate and direct international relief actions in accordance with the «Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Disaster Relief» adopted by the International Conference;
f) to encourage and coordinate the participation of the National Societies in activities for safeguarding public health and the promotion of social welfare in cooperation with their appropriate national authorities;
g) to encourage and coordinate between National Societies the exchange of ideas for the education of children and young people in humanitarian ideals and for the development of friendly relations between young people of all countries;
h) to assist National Societies to recruit members from the population as a whole and inculcate the Fundamental Principles and ideals of the Movement;
i) to bring help to victims of armed conflicts in accordance with the agreements concluded with the International Committee of the Red Cross (hereinafter called «the ICRC»);
j) to assist the ICRC in the promotion and development of international humanitarian law and collaborate with it in the dissemination of this law and of the Fundamental Principles among the National Societies;
k) to be the official representative of the member Societies in the international field, inter alia for dealing with any matters in connection with decisions and recommendations adopted by the General Assembly of the Federation (hereinafter called «the Assembly») and to be the guardian of their integrity and the protector of their interests;
l) to carry out the mandates entrusted to it by the International Conference.
2. In each country the Federation shall act through or in agreement with the National Society and in conformity with the laws of that country.
3. If an internal or external authority in any situation interferes with the conduct of activities carried out by a member Society in accordance with the Fundamental Principles, or if such an authority subverts or attempts to subvert or uses that Society for purposes or activities not in accordance with the Fundamental Principles, the Assembly or, in case of emergency, the Executive Council of the Federation (hereinafter called «the Council») shall examine the relevant circumstances and shall take such action as may be deemed appropriate, including in the last resort an appeal to the conscience of the world.
Members of the Federation shall be those National Societies which have been admitted in accordance with Article 6. They form the basic units and constitute a vital force of the Movement carrying out their humanitarian activities in conformity with their own Statutes and national legislation and in accordance with the Statutes of the Movement and the Fundamental Principles.
1. The rights of a National Society member of the Federation shall be, inter alia:
a) to be represented at and to participate in the work of the Assembly;
b) to stand for election to all other official bodies of the Federation;
c) to request the Federation to provide representation to other international organizations;
d) to submit, on its own initiative, in its name or in that of a group of member Societies, proposals to the Assembly and to other bodies of the Federation;
e) to communicate directly with the Federation.
2. The duties of a National Society member of the Federation shall be inter alia:
a) to support the Federation in the pursuit of its general object and to apply the decisions adopted by the Assembly and by the Council;
b) to ensure that the Fundamental Principles are carefully observed in the activities of the Society and that none of its subordinate bodies offend against those Principles;
c) to remit an annual contribution to the Federation approved by the Assembly;
d) to inform the Secretary General of the Federation of any proposed amendments to its own Statutes and to keep him informed of the composition of its main bodies.
1. Any recognized National Society wishing to become a member of the Federation shall apply to the President of the Federation (hereinafter called «the President») and shall undertake to respect the provisions of this Constitution.
2. The admission of a National Society to the Federation is subject to the decision of the Assembly.
3. Any applicant National Society may be admitted provisionally by the Council until the next session of the Assembly.
4. A National Society admitted provisionally to the Federation may take part in the work of the Federation but has no voting rights and cannot be elected to any official position in the Federation.
1. A member Society shall cease to have the character of member of the Federation:
2. Any member Society may withdraw from the Federation provided it gives the President of the Federation six months notice of withdrawal.
3. The Assembly may decide that any National Society shall be suspended from membership in the Federation:
a) if the Society no longer fulfils all the conditions for admission provided for in this Constitution, in particular if, because of modification of its Statutes, they are no longer in conformity with the Fundamental Principles;
b) if the Society on its own initiative or under pressure from the government of its country contravenes any of the Fundamental Principles;
c) if the Society uses its connection with the Federation for a purpose which is not in conformity with one of the Fundamental Principles;
d) when it acts contrary to the general object of the Federation and systematically refuses to apply the decisions of the Assembly.
4. The Assembly shall not take any decision to suspend a member Society until it has examined the recommendations of the Council on this subject.
Before making such recommendations the Council shall previously have sent to the member Society concerned two warnings in writing within a period of twelve months prior to the session of the Council.
The member Society shall have the right to be heard at the Assembly in its own defense.
5. A decision of the Assembly on suspension shall be taken by a two-thirds majority of the member Societies present and voting provided that the number of voting member Societies in favour of the suspension is at least one half plus one of the total number of the members of the Federation.
6. A member Society which has been suspended shall immediately lose its rights as a member.
A member Society of the Federation or an individual member of a Society which has been suspended and is a member of the Council, or any other body of the Federation shall forfeit the right to perform any official function or to be elected to any such body.
The Assembly shall immediately replace a suspended Society or its member at the same session.
Suspension entails forfeiture of all claims to the assets of the Federation.
7. A member Society which has been suspended may be reinstated by the Assembly on the recommendation of the Council that the reasons for suspension no longer apply.
1. The General Assembly shall be the supreme body of the Federation.
1. The Assembly shall be composed of delegates from the National Societies members of the Federation.
2. The Vice-Presidents of the Federation shall be entitled to participate in the sessions of the Assembly in their personal capacity with no vote.
1. The Assembly shall inter alia exercise the following functions:
a) to determine the general policy of the Federation;
b) to take decisions on the admission of National Societies and the suspension of member Societies;
c) to elect the President of the Federation;
d) to elect eight member Societies, each of which shall be entitled to appoint a Vice-President;
e) to elect sixteen member Societies as members of the Council;
f) to appoint the Secretary General of the Federation;
g) to appoint the Treasurer General;
h) to elect the representatives of the Federation to the institutions and bodies of the Movement;
i) to set up all bodies required for the activities of the Federation;
j) to study and approve the plans and budgets of the Federation and to study and approve the financial reports of the Federation;
k) to approve the scale of contributions of the member Societies;
l) to provide such regulations as shall be necessary for the implementation of this Constitution;
m) to amend the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure;
n) to decide on the reports of the Council and of all bodies set up by the Assembly;
o) to decide on the proposals presented by the member Societies, the Council and all bodies set up by the Assembly;
p) to ratify any agreement concluded with the ICRC and any other international organization or institution;
q) to decide on the transfer of the Headquarters of the Federation by a quorum of two-thirds of the Societies members of the Federation and a three-fourths majority of the member Societies present and voting.
2. The Assembly may not delegate to another body of the Federation the powers defined in para. 1 of this Article.
3. The Assembly may not take decisions involving expenditure before the Secretary General has submitted a report to it on the administrative and financial implications of any such proposal. If the expenses cannot be covered by the budget, no commitment in this respect can be made before the Assembly has taken the necessary measures to make additional funds required available.
1. The Assembly shall meet in ordinary session at least once every two years. Such meetings shall normally be at the Headquarters of the Federation, or elsewhere on the invitation of a member Society. In case of acceptance of such an invitation, the Assembly shall fix the place and dates of the session.
2. A session of the Assembly shall be held in the same place and before the International Conference when the latter has been convoked.
Change of place of the session
3. In exceptional circumstances, the Secretary General in agreement with the President and with the majority of the Societies members of the Council may change the place and if necessary the date of the session of the Assembly and shall inform the Societies members of the Federation of such changes.
4. An extraordinary session of the Assembly shall be held before any extraordinary session of the International Conference.
5. Extraordinary sessions of the Assembly shall also be held on the initiative of the President or on the initiative of at least one fourth of the total number of the member Societies.
6. Each member Society represented at the Assembly shall have one vote.
7. Except as provided for in Articles 10 para. 1. q), 36 and 38 paras. 1 and 2 of this Constitution, the decisions of the Assembly shall be valid only when a quorum is present of at least half of the member Societies of the Federation either at an ordinary or at an extraordinary session.
8. Should less than half of the member Societies be in attendance at any ordinary or extraordinary session, another session of the Assembly shall be convened after at least 24 hours have elapsed at which decisions taken shall be valid whatever the number of members present.
Should the provisional agenda include important questions as defined in para. 10 of this Article the aforesaid second session shall be held not less than forty-five and not more than ninety days after the one preceding it.
Majority required for decisions
9. Except as provided for important matters and in Articles 7 para. 5, 10 para. 1. q), 22 para. 4, 36 and 38 paras. 1 and 2 decisions of the Assembly shall be taken by a simple majority of the member Societies present and voting. The said simple majority shall also suffice for a new subject to be classified as an important matter.
Majority required for important decisions
10. Decisions on important matters shall be taken by a two-thirds majority of the member Societies present and voting.
11. Important matters shall comprise the admission of a National Society as a member of the Federation, voting the budget and any other subject classified by the Assembly as an important matter.
Meaning of the term «member Societies present and voting»
12. Within the context of this Constitution, the term «member Societies present and voting» shall mean member Societies present and voting for or against. Member Societies abstaining from voting are considered as not having voted.
1. The Executive Council is the body which acts between meetings of the General Assembly to advise the President and to give guidance and support to the Secretary General in interpreting and implementing the decisions of the Assembly.
1. The Council shall be composed of:
a) the President of the Federation;
c) the ex officio Vice-President, i.e. the President of the member Society of the country in which the Federation has its headquarters;
2. The sixteen member Societies mentioned in para. 1. d) of this Article shall be elected for a period of four years by a simple majority of the member Societies present and voting. The principle of geographical distribution as implemented in the Rules of Procedure shall be respected.
3. Any member Society having been elected in accordance with the para. 2 of this Article or in accordance with Article 23 and having been represented on the Council for two successive four-year periods, shall not be eligible to stand for election again until a further four-year period has elapsed.
4. Each member Society elected in the capacity of member of the Council shall, if possible, appoint the same person as its representative to the Council for the full term of office.
5. The member Society of which the President of the Federation is a member may not be proposed for candidature to the Council.
6. The Secretary General and the Treasurer General of the Federation participate in the deliberations of the Council in an advisory capacity.
1. The Council shall have the following functions:
a) to follow up the decisions and the recommendations of the Assembly and to promote their implementation;
b) to carry out, under the authority of the Assembly, the mandates entrusted to the Federation by the International Conference;
c) to draw up the agenda of sessions of the Assembly;
d) to submit advice and proposals to the Assembly when so requested by the latter or on its own initiative;
e) to study any questions relating to the implementation of the functions of the Federation and to submit opinions and proposals in this respect to the Assembly;
f) to select and recommend to the Assembly a candidate for appointment to the post of the Secretary General of the Federation;
g) to submit to the Assembly for appointment the name of the candidate selected for the post of Treasurer General;
h) to set up temporary subsidiary bodies such as groups of experts or any other working group and appoint the members of those bodies;
i) to exercise any other functions assigned to it by this Constitution and the Assembly;
j) to report to the Assembly on the accomplishment of its functions;
k) to examine the report presented by the Secretary General;
l) to admit provisionally the National Societies;
m) to approve the selection by the Secretary General of candidates for appointment to the post of Deputy and Under Secretaries General;
n) to approve the outline structure of the Secretariat of the Federation (hereinafter called «the Secretariat») proposed by the Secretary General.
2. Between sessions of the Assembly or in the case of inability to meet or to be convoked for any reason whatsoever, the Council shall be authorized to take such measures as it deems necessary to deal with any emergency affecting the Federation or the member Societies. Decisions so reached by the Council shall be submitted for approval to the Assembly at its next session. Such emergency authorization of the Council shall not cover those powers enumerated in Article 10 para. 1.
3. The Council may not take decisions involving expenditure not included in the budget before the Secretary General and the Finance Commission have submitted a report to it on the administrative and financial implication of any such proposal. If the expenditure proposed cannot be covered by the budget, no commitment in this respect can be made before the Assembly has taken the measures to make the funds needed available.
1. The Council shall meet in ordinary session twice a year when convened by the President of the Federation. In addition the President shall convene the Council on his own initiative or whenever requested by a majority of its members and may do so when requested by the Secretary General of the Federation.
2. The decisions of the Council shall be valid when a quorum is present of at least half of its members and shall be taken by a simple majority of the member Societies present and voting. In the event of a tie, the President shall have the casting vote.
3. The President may, if he deems it appropriate, invite the Chairmen of the Constitutional Commissions or any other person likely to make a useful contribution to the discussion to attend the meetings of the Council, as observers.
1. The Commissions established by this Constitution shall be the Finance Commission, the Youth Commission, the Disaster Relief Commission, the Development Commission and the Health and Community Services Commission. No Society may be elected to more than one Commission.
2. The Assembly may establish any other Commissions, as it considers necessary. The composition, functions and conduct of business of these bodies shall be governed by the Rules of Procedure.
3. The Chairmen of the Commissions established by Articles 17 to 21 of this Constitution shall meet together with the Secretary General as set out in the Rules of Procedure in order to coordinate the work of their respective Commissions, particularly in relation to the preparation of programmes for inclusion in the Plan and Budget.
1. The Finance Commission shall be composed of thirteen members as follows: the Chairman of the Commission and eleven members elected in a personal capacity by the Assembly and the Treasurer General of the Federation ex officio.
2. The term of office of the members of the Finance Commission shall be four years; they shall be eligible for re-election.
3. The functions of the Finance Commission shall be:
a) to give its advice on all financial questions affecting the Federation;
b) to comment on the financial report and on the budget drawn up by the Secretary General;
c) to comment on the handling and investment of the available funds and to make recommendations to the Assembly and to the Council on any financial measures which it deems appropriate;
d) to review periodically the formula for fixing the financial participation of member Societies and every two years to fix the quota of each Society subject for approval by the Assembly;
e) to fix the quotas of National Societies applying for membership prior to the application being considered by the Assembly;
f) to hear appeals from member Societies in accordance with Article 27 paras. 3 and 4 and acquaint itself with arrears in payment of contributions by member Societies and express its views to the Council and the Assembly on whether the Society should be declared in default in accordance with Article 27 para. 8;
g) to assist the Council in applying and implementing the decisions of the Assembly on the financial management of the Federation;
h) to make a report on its work to each session of the Assembly and of the Council.
4. The procedure of the Finance Commission shall be laid down in the Rules of Procedure of the Federation.
1. The Youth Commission shall be composed of thirteen members as follows: the Chairman of the Commission and twelve members elected by the Assembly on the proposal of the Executive Council and on the basis of a fair geographical distribution divided equally between the four regions as laid down in the Rules of Procedure.
Each member Society elected in the capacity of member of the Commission shall, if possible, appoint the same person as its representative to the Commission for the full term of office.
2. The term of office of the members of the Youth Commission shall be four years; they shall be eligible for re-election.
3. The functions of the Youth Commission shall be:
a) to give its advice on all matters related to the youth policy of the Federation;
b) to comment on plans and programmes aiming to implement Article 3, paras. 1. g) and 1. h) of this Constitution;
c) to make a report on its work to each session of the Assembly.
4. The procedure of the Youth Commission shall be laid down in the Rules of Procedure of the Federation.
1. The Disaster Relief Commission shall be composed of thirteen members as follows: the Chairman of the Commission and twelve members elected by the Assembly on the proposal of the Executive Council and on the basis of a fair geographical distribution divided equally between the four regions as laid down in the Rules of Procedure.
Each member Society elected in the capacity of member of the Commission shall, if possible, appoint the same person as its representative to the Commission for the full term of office.
2. The term of office of the members of the Disaster Relief Commission shall be four years; they shall be eligible for re-election.
3. The functions of the Disaster Relief Commission shall be:
a) to give its advice on all matters related to the disaster relief policy of the Federation;
b) to comment on plans and programmes aiming to implement Article 3, paras. 1. c), 1. d), 1. e) and 1. i) of this Constitution;
c) to make a report on its work to each session of the Assembly.
4. The procedure of the Disaster Relief Commission shall be laid down in the Rules of Procedure of the Federation.
1. The Development Commission shall be composed of thirteen members as follows: the Chairman of the Commission and twelve members elected by the Assembly on the proposal of the Executive Council and on the basis of a fair geographical distribution divided equally between the four regions as laid down in the Rules of Procedure.
Each member Society elected in the capacity of member of the Commission shall, if possible, appoint the same person as its representative to the Commission for the full term of office.
2. The term of office of the members of the Development Commission shall be four years; they shall be eligible for re-election.
3. The functions of the Development Commission shall be:
a) to give its advice on all matters related to the development policy of the Federation;
b) to comment on plans and programmes aiming to implement Article 3, para. 1. b) of this Constitution;
c) to make a report on its work to each session of the Assembly.
4. The procedure of the Development Commission shall be laid down in the Rules of Procedure of the Federation.
1. The Health and Community Services Commission shall be composed of thirteen members as follows: the Chairman of the Commission and twelve members elected by the Assembly on the proposal of the Executive Council and on the basis of a fair geographical distribution divided equally between the four regions as laid down in the Rules of Procedure.
Each member Society elected in the capacity of member of the Commission shall, if possible, appoint the same person as its reppresentative to the Commission for the full term of office.
2. The term of office of the members of the Health and Community Services Commission shall be four years; they shall be eligible for re-election.
3. The functions of the Health and Community Services Commission shall be:
a) to give its advice on all matters related to the health and community services policy of the Federation;
b) to comment on plans and programmes aiming to implement Article 3, para. 1. f) of this Constitution;
c) to make a report on its work to each session of the Assembly.
4. The procedure of the Health and Community Services Commission shall be laid down in the Rules of Procedure of the Federation.
1. The President of the Federation is the highest personality of the Federation. He shall be responsible to the Assembly for ensuring that the Federation pursues its general object and exercises its functions as these are defined in Articles 2 and 3 of this Constitution. He acts under the authority of the Assembly and of the Council to guide the affairs of the Federation in conformity with the decisions of the Assembly and, to ensure the smooth functioning of the Federation, he may advise the Secretary General on implementation of these decisions, when necessary.
a) convoke and preside over the sessions of the Assembly and the Council;
b) present to the Assembly a review of the state of the Federation;
c) coordinate the work of the bodies of the Federation;
d) represent the Federation in its relations with the other components of the Movement and with international organizations and institutions;
e) carry out any other function entrusted to him by the Assembly or by the Council.
3. The President may delegate a part of his functions to one of the Vice-Presidents or to the Secretary General of the Federation.
4. The President shall be elected by the Assembly for a period of four years by an absolute majority of the member Societies present and voting. He may serve for only two full consecutive terms of office.
Vacancy of the office of the President
5. The President may charge one of the Vice-Presidents with replacing him during one meeting or part of a meeting.
6. In the event of a vacancy arising in the office of the President, the Council shall from amongst the Vice-Presidents, appoint at its next ordinary session a Vice-President who shall fulfil this function until the next session of the Assembly. At this session the Assembly shall elect the President to fill the vacancy for the remaining period of the current term of office. Until the appointment of a Vice-President, as acting President by the Council, the ex officio Vice-President shall fulfil this function.
7. Should the President be unable to carry out his functions, or to appoint a replacement, a Vice-President shall be designated as a replacement by the Council from amongst the Vice-Presidents or by the Assembly, whichever is in session.
1. The Assembly, in accordance with the voting procedure provided for in Article 11 of this Constitution and respecting geographical distribution as implemented in the Rules of Procedure, shall by a simple majority of the member Societies present and voting elect eight member Societies for the purpose of each of them appointing a member of their Society to the post of Vice-President of the Federation for a period of four years. No Society may be re-elected for more than two consecutive terms of office.
2. In addition the President of the Society of the country in which the Federation has its headquarters shall be ex officio a Vice-President.
3. Should one or other of the Vice-Presidents of the Federation appointed by the Assembly be prevented from exercising his functions, the member Society concerned shall nominate a substitute who shall fill the post until the end of the term of office.
1. The Treasurer General of the Federation shall be appointed by the Assembly for a period of four years on the proposal of the Council. His term of office shall be renewable.
2. The Treasurer General shall advise the President and the Secretary General on all financial matters.
3. The Treasurer General shall have the right to obtain from the Secretary General of the Federation all information and documents of a financial and budgetary character.
4. The Treasurer General shall participate in the deliberations of the Assembly and the Council in an advisory capacity. He shall be an ex officio member of the Finance Commission.
1. The Secretary General of the Federation shall be appointed by the Assembly on the proposal of the Council and under the conditions previously laid down by the Assembly. The contract between the Federation and the Secretary General shall be drawn up by the Council in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Rules of Procedure.
2. The Secretary General shall be the chief Executive Officer of the Federation.
3. The Secretary General who shall carry out his functions under the authority of the Assembly, of the Council and of the President shall:
a) implement the decisions of the Assembly and the mandates assigned to him by the Council or by other bodies of the Federation;
b) direct the Secretariat and be responsible for the execution of the work entrusted to it;
c) organize the different services of the Secretariat in accordance with the decisions of the Assembly and of the Council, appoint the staff of the Secretariat, keeping in mind the principle of geographical distribution when this is consistent with ability, and when necessary terminate the engagements of such staff. Appointment to the posts of Deputy Secretary General and Under Secretaries General shall be made by the Secretary General, after obtaining the approval of the Council of the candidates selected by him;
d) in the absence of the President, represent the Federation in its relations with other components of the Movement and with international organizations and institutions;
e) be the authorized representative of the Federation in relation to third parties and courts of law for all transactions whatsoever, including transactions executed in notarial form relating to the acquisition, administration and expenditure of the resources of the Federation;
f) direct relief or other actions decided upon by the Assembly or the Council. In exceptional or urgent circumstances, the Secretary General shall take all appropriate measures;
g) be entitled to establish relations with those National Societies or organizations recognized as auxiliaries to the public authorities and which have accepted the Fundamental Principles, even though they may not be components of the Movement or members of the Federation;
h) carry out any other function entrusted to him by the Council or by the President;
i) report on the activities of the Federation to the Assembly and to the Council;
j) in carrying out his functions the Secretary General shall keep the President closely informed.
4. The Secretary General shall ex officio be Secretary of the Assembly and of the Council and, unless the Constitution provides otherwise, of all subsidiary bodies set up by the Assembly and the Council.
The Secretary General may delegate these functions to other officials of the Secretariat.
5. The Secretary General shall establish the structure of the Secretariat, the general outline of which shall be subject to the approval of the Council.
The Secretariat assists the Secretary General in the implementation of his executive task.
1. The Federation shall be solely responsible, to the exclusion of its member Societies, for all its transactions and commitments.
2. The regular resources of the Federation shall consist of contributions from member Societies and income derived from investments.
3. Within the limits laid down by its general object and functions, the Federation shall acquire, own, alienate and administer any property as it shall deem fit. It may accept unrestricted contributions and assistance in any form from member Societies, individuals, governments and other public or private bodies.
4. The Federation may accept as an agent or trustee funds or property earmarked for particular use provided that such use is within the general scope of its activities, general object and functions. It may accept any conveyance of real estate for its use or benefit.
5. The Federation may constitute and manage any reserve insurance or other funds for its staff or for any of its activities.
1. The financial year shall run from 1 January to 31 December.
2. Each member Society shall pay an annual contribution to the Federation in the amount of the quota fixed by the Finance Commission and approved by the Assembly and within such time-limit as may be prescribed by the Assembly.
3. Any member Society which contests the contribution fixed by the Finance Commission shall have the right to appeal immediately to the Commission. However, such an appeal does not invalidate the obligation of paying the non-contested part of the quota within the time-limit fixed by the Assembly.
4. Any member Society unable, for any reason whatsoever, to pay its contribution may refer this matter to the Finance Commission in order to obtain appropriate arrangements enabling the Society to pay it in conformity with the conditions fixed by the Commission. However, such an appeal does not invalidate the obligation of paying the contribution.
5. If a member Society does not pay the amount fixed by the Finance Commission following appeal, the Commission may report the matter to the Council which shall make a recommendation on this subject to the Assembly.
The Assembly shall receive the recommendation of the Council together with the views of the Finance Commission and shall decide on whether to declare the Society in default or not.
6. Any member Society which has been declared to be in default shall not be eligible for election or re-election to the Council, any Commission or any other body of the Federation.
7. No person representing a member Society in default shall be eligible for election or re-election to any office in the Federation.
8. Any member Society which has withdrawn, which has been suspended or which has been declared in default, remains liable for payment of its contribution for the financial year during which any of the foregoing steps were taken, of any arrears of previous years and of any other debts to the Federation.
1. The Secretary General of the Federation shall draw up the budget of the Federation in consultation with the Treasurer General. He shall also prepare a report on the accounts relating to the preceding financial year. He shall submit these documents to the Council for study and to the Assembly for approval.
Presentation of accounts and adoption of budget
2. The Assembly shall examine and adopt every two years:
a) the reports covering the past two financial years presented by the Secretary General of the Federation;
b) the budget for the next two financial years presented by the Secretary General of the Federation.
3. In those years in which the Assembly does not meet, the Council shall review the budget for the following year, and, if exceptional circumstances exist, shall adjust that budget in the light of those circumstances.
4. Subject to the provisions of Articles 10 and 14 para. 2 of this Constitution, the Assembly, or failing it the Council, may decide on any financial measures which may appear advisable, and shall take into consideration such recommendations as may be made by the Secretary General or the Treasurer General.
Administration and execution of the budget
5. The Secretary General of the Federation who is responsible for the administration of the approved budget shall:
a) implement the budget as adopted, ensuring the payment of contributions and, depending on the needs, defraying the expenses authorized;
b) receive and hold all funds paid to the Federation for whatever purpose;
c) be accountable for these funds to the Assembly and the Council and dispose of them in accordance with the budget adopted;
d) decide on the handling and investment of the available funds after consultation with the Treasurer General.
1. At the close of each financial year, the accounts of the said year:
a) shall be made the subject of a report prepared by the Secretary General;
b) shall be audited and reported upon by a firm of chartered accountants.
2. These reports shall refer to the budget of the Federation and also cover the use of funds entrusted to the Federation in capacity of agent or trustee.
1. A regional conference shall be a meeting of the Societies members of the Federation of the same region for the purpose of considering questions which are of common and special interest to the participating Societies.
2. A regional conference shall be held in conformity with the Constitution of the Federation and the Fundamental Principles.
3. The approval of the Council shall be required when a member Society requests the assistance of the Secretariat in organizing a regional conference in its country.
4. The Secretariat shall, as far as may be possible, furnish its assistance to the host Society of any Conference, which has been duly approved.
5. The Rules of Procedure of a regional conference shall be in conformity with the Rules of Procedure of the Federation.
1. The Federation shall maintain frequent regular contacts with the ICRC at all appropriate levels so as to coordinate their activities in the best interest of those who require their protection and assistance.
2. The Federation shall conclude with the ICRC any agreement required to harmonize the conduct of their respective activities.
1. The Federation shall cooperate within the terms of this Constitution with international governmental and non-governmental organizations, as it deems appropriate. Any agreement concluded with such organizations shall be ratified by the Assembly.
1. The ICRC shall be entitled to participate as an observer in the ordinary sessions of the Assembly.
Intergovernmental organizations
2. Those intergovernmental organizations with which the Federation has a consultative status may participate as observers in the ordinary sessions of the Assembly.
3. The Council and, if it is not in session, the President of the Federation may, if they deem it appropriate, invite any governmental or non-governmental organization, as well as any organization or National Society in process of formation and not yet admitted to the Federation to participate as observers in the ordinary sessions of the Assembly, provided that the activities of the latter are in conformity with the Fundamental Principles.
1. The Assembly shall enact by a simple majority all regulations relating to procedure and other matters, as may be necessary for the implementation of this Constitution as well as for the accomplishment of the tasks of the Federation.
2. Within the framework of this Constitution and of the Rules of Procedure in force, and subject to the approval of the Assembly, the Council and other bodies of the Federation may also draw up such regulations as are necessary for the accomplishment of their respective tasks.
3. The Assembly may, in manner consistent with this Constitution, at any time amend the regulations by a simple majority.
1. When, for any reason beyond its control, the Assembly is prevented from meeting and thereby from electing the President or the members of the Council or from electing the member Societies to appoint the Vice-Presidents, or for appointing the Treasurer General or for appointing the Secretary General, the terms of office of those serving at that time shall be extended until the end of the next session of the Assembly.
2. When, for any reason beyond its control, the Council is prevented from meeting, and decisions are indispensable or desirable, and if the Secretary General, for any reason whatsoever, is prevented from consulting the President or Vice-Presidents at the time when the session should have been held, he shall take such steps as may be necessary to secure a decision by consulting the other members of the Council by the most rapid means available. In this event, the Secretary General shall put each question in one and the same form to all the members of the Council, and in such a manner that each question can be answered by a simple «yes» or «no». Decisions shall then be taken by a simple majority of the replies received and shall be valid if the number of such replies attains the quorum provided for in Article 15, para. 2 of this Constitution; they shall come into force at the expiry of a period of twenty-one days as from the date of dispatch of the last communication.
3. When circumstances no longer make it possible to obtain such decisions, the Secretary General shall, in exceptional cases, and in order that the work of the Federation may be carried on, take decisions on all matters that are normally within the competence of the Council. Before taking such decisions, the Secretary General shall consult, insofar as may be possible, the President, the Vice-Presidents and any members of the Council who remain accessible and shall keep them informed of his action.
4. As soon as circumstances permit, the Secretary General shall take steps to convene the Council. When the Council meets, the Secretary General shall submit to it for approval a report on all measures he has taken since the last ordinary session of the Council in order to implement the decisions. At the same session, the Council shall consider, if the question arises, the convocation of the Assembly, in particular for the purpose of holding new elections for the President and the other members of the Council and election of the member Societies to appoint the Vice-Presidents. The term of office of the newly elected President, the newly appointed Vice-Presidents and the newly elected members of the Council shall commence at the conclusion of the session at which they are elected or appointed.
1. Decisions on the dissolution of the Federation can be taken only by the Assembly with a quorum of two-thirds of the Societies members of the Federation and a three-fourths majority of the member Societies present and voting. In this case, the assets of the Federation may not in any circumstances be shared out, but shall be deposited with the supreme court of the country in which its Headquarters are located until the reconstitution of the Federation.
1. Any question or disagreement concerning the interpretation or application of this Constitution which shall not be settled by the Assembly shall be referred to the Council and again submitted to the Assembly for its final decision.
1. The provisions of this Constitution can be amended only by the Assembly with a quorum of two-thirds of the member Societies and a three-fourths majority of the member Societies present and voting.
2. If, however, the quorum is not attained when the modification proposal is submitted for approval, the Assembly may at its next session, either ordinary or extraordinary, validly take a decision on the same proposal with a quorum of half the member Societies plus one and a two-thirds majority only of the member Societies present and voting.
3. No proposal to amend the Constitution may be put to the vote unless it is submitted by a member Society supported by at least five member Societies.
1. This Constitution shall come into force on 26 November 1987 at the end of the VIth Session of the General Assembly held in Rio de Janeiro from 23 to 26 November 1987 with the exception that Article 22 paras. 4 and 6 shall enter into force on 23 November 1987 and Articles 16 — 21 at the end of the VIIth Session of the Assembly.
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