The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), founded in Geneva in 1863, has as its mandate to protect and assist victims of war and internal violence. The 15-25 members of the committee itself are all Swiss citizens, but its employees are international, and the bulk of its finance comes from voluntary contributions by states and supranational bodies. The ICRC operates worldwide, helping the victims of war, acting as a neutral mediator in cases of conflict, and promoting knowledge and respect for humanitarian law.

In addition, Switzerland has its own national Red Cross society.

The national societies of the whole world are grouped in the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which also has its headquarters in Geneva.