It takes its decisions (recommendations and resolutions), which are binding on the statutory bodies of the Movement solely in respect of issues falling within the latter's exclusive competence, namely the interpretation and revision of the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, its Rules of Procedure and disputes between its members.

The Conference also ensures Red Cross unity of effort and respect for the Fundamental Principles. On all other matters its authority is essentially a moral one and it can only issue recommendations. Those arrangements are in accordance with the spirit of the International Red Cross, one characteristic of which is the independence of its various components.[1]

The Conference “shall endeavour to adopt its resolutions by consensus” (Article 11/7 Statutes of the Movement). This has been the predominant rule throughout its existence, but if a vote is needed, the required majorities are 50% + 1 of those present and voting, and in case of amendments to the Statutes a 2/3 majority of its members present and voting.  Rule 20 of the Rules of Procedure states that if a consensus is not available, voting shall be by show of hands, or by roll call if ten delegations so request, or by secret ballot if ten delegations so request.

The Fundamental Principles - humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary status, unity and universality - adopted by the 20th International Conference (Vienna 1965) are mandatory for all Red Cross and Red Crescent bodies. Representatives of the States party to the Geneva Conventions, who attend the Conference, must thus respect the principles in the same way as all the other delegations. The principles constitute the Movement's basic charter and they are read out at the opening of every Conference.