A world without rules.

Describes the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1859 and its central principles of rendering medical aid to all those injured in battle, especially civilian casualties, while scrupulously maintaining political neutrality. John Simpson accompanies delegates in Kinshasa, Brazzaville and Colombia where the Red Cross can no longer rely on having its neutrality respected. In 1996 nine delegates were killed, bringing into question whether the organization can maintain its presence in certain countries, especially under conditions of civil war where there is no government with which to negotiate. A visit to a Colombian prison demonstrates the pressures on the Red Cross to exceed its role and provide aid beyond its scope.