The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was established in 1863 to provide humanitarian assistance to victims of war and armed conflict based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The ICRC ensures humanitarian protection and aid for those affected by war independently and neutrally, and promotes and develops international humanitarian law. It responds to emergencies and works to implement humanitarian law in national legal systems while also administering funds to support its staff and recognizing individuals who contribute to its mission.