As defined in the Statutes and Rules of Procedure (1) of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Council of Delegates is "the body where the representatives of all the components of the Movement meet to discuss matters which concern the Movement as a whole." (Article 12 of the Statutes).

The members of the Council of Delegates are:

- the recognized National Societies (186 at present),

- the International Committee of the Red Cross,

- the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The Council of Delegates discusses matters which concern the Movement, its modus operandi and coordination between its components. It also addresses topical issues for the Movement, such as respect for diversity and non-discrimination; humanitarian assistance in situations of armed conflict and other situations of violence, and natural disasters, as well as international humanitarian law.

The Council of Delegates meets every two years.