The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is made up of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) (Federation); and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (National Societies). The ICRC, the Federation and the individual National Societies are independent bodies. Each has its own status and exercises no authority over the others. Red Cross and Red Crescent activities have one central purpose: to prevent and alleviate human suffering, without discrimination, and to protect human dignity. Irish Aid has partnership agreements with both the ICRC and the IFRC, supporting protection programmes in Africa and capacity building for national societies. Irish Aid also responds to emergency appeals from both organisations every year.