The Burundi Red Cross, founded in 1963, is formed on the basis of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and its 1977 Additional Protocols to which the Republic of Burundi is a party, and of the fundamental principles of the Movement, namely: Humanity; Impartiality; Neutrality Independence; volunteering; Unit; Universality

It is recognized as a voluntary Voluntary Relief Society, auxiliary to the public authorities and in particular military health services in accordance with the provisions of the first Geneva Convention and as the only National Society of the Red Cross able to exercise its activity on the national territory.

Its general purpose is to prevent and alleviate suffering without any discrimination, including nationality, race, sex, ethnicity, religion, political opinion, etc.