The Norwegian Red Cross is a non-government national organisation based on voluntary work. The Red Cross is well established in many other countries worldwide, and all national associations share the same principles, objectives and symbols. The aim of the Red Cross is to identify, prevent, cure and administer to pain and suffering and to assist in emergency situations that people have fallen victim to.

The Red Cross also works to promote respect for the individual. A variety of measures and initiatives are in play to enable the Red Cross to achieve this aim. In Norway the Red Cross has developed a number of community care activities to combat social exclusion, create safe and secure frameworks for children to grow up in and to combat conflict and violence. In addition to this the Red Cross participates in the security and contingency activities in local communities in order to prevent or reduce injury when accidents happen. The Red Cross also has a standby contingency group that can be activated at very short notice and provide help where it’s needed. The Norwegian Red Cross runs programmes for schools and kindergartens nationwide that focus on spreading information about the principles on which the Red Cross works.