Being a part of a humanitarian mission entails much more than just doing good and being kind. It extends further than distributing basic necessities and provisions. The work of humanitarians has structure and accountability. One of these measures of structure and accountability is the Code of Conduct: 10 Core Principles which was jointly prepared by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross. According to the document, the purpose is to ensure the standards of humanitarian behavior.
Here is the list of Core Principles of the Code of Conduct standards:
1. The humanitarian imperative comes first
2. Aid is given regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse distinction of any kind. Aid priorities are calculated on the basis of need alone.
3. Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint
4. We shall endeavor not to act as instruments of government foreign policy
5. We shall respect culture and custom
6. We shall attempt to build disaster response on local capacities
7. Ways shall be found to involve program beneficiaries in the management of relief aid
8. Relief aid must strive to reduce future vulnerabilities to disaster as well as meeting basic needs
9. We hold ourselves accountable to both those we seek to assist and those from whom we accept resources
10. In our information, publicity and advertising activities, we shall recognize disaster victims as dignified humans, not hopeless objects
You can read more about the description of each of these Core Principles at
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