Principles of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Response Programme

• The Humanitarian Imperative comes first
• Aid is given regardless of race, creed, or nationality of the recipients, and without adverse distinction of any kind.  Aid priorities are calculated on the basis of need alone
• Aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint
  
• We should endeavour not to act as instruments of government foreign policy
  
• We shall respect culture and custom
  
• We shall attempt to build disaster response on local capacities
  
• Ways shall be found to involve program beneficiaries in the management of relief aid
  
• Relief aid must strive to reduce vulnerabilities to disaster, as well as meeting basic needs
  
• We should hold ourselves accountable to both those we seek to assist and those from whom we accept resources
  
• In our information, publicity and advertising activities, we shall recognise disaster victims as dignified humans, and not hopeless objects 

Source: http://www.ifrc.org/en/publications-and-reports/code-of-conduct/ accessed March 2011