Established in 1962 by a small coalition of refugee and migration focused non-governmental organisations (NGOs), ICVA has grown into a diverse network of NGOs operating at global, regional, national and local levels. ICVA advocates for principled humanitarian action, enhances recognition by governments and international organisations of the vital role of NGOs and encourages high quality partnerships among humanitarian stakeholders.

 ICVA promotes a rights- and needs-based approach.  ICVA maintains its historical focus on forced displacement while at the same time addressing fundamental and emerging elements of concern to NGOs related to all crisis-affected populations.