It was founded in 1992 with the active support of Italian Trade Unions.

INTERSOS' activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable and unprotected.

INTERSOS identifies with the core values of the Italian Association of Non-Governmental Organizations and adheres to the international humanitarian codes of conduct and to the values and principles expressed in these codes. INTERSOS is recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Commission and the main UN Agencies. It enjoys consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.

INTERSOS is an independent organization that was created to provide an effective response to crisis situations in the poorest regions of the world, where the population is deprived of their rights and dignity and their basis needs are uncovered.

INTERSOS has a flexible operational structure, with the central headquarters in Rome in charge of planning and coordination of operations, and of field offices in the countries of operation. The bodies that orient, decide and monitor the activities and its finances according to the Statute of the organization are: the Assembly of Members, the Council, the Auditing company.

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