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Henry Dunant Witnesses Aftermath at Solferino
A Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, travelling through the area, arrives at Solferino hours after the battle. Revolted by what he sees, he organized first aid, convincing the locals to care for all of the wounded, regardless of nationality. (Picture Source: NNDB) -
Battle of Solferino
The Battle of Solferino was fought on June 24, 1859, by the French and Austrian armies. By the end of the day, almost 40,000 soldiers lay dead or wounded and abandoned on the battlefield. The medical forces were unable to deal with all of the wounded, who had no special protections. (Picture Source: Museo San Martino) -
Dunant and A Memory of Solferino
When Dunant returned to his native home in Geneva, Switzerland, he did not forget the events he had witnessed at Solferino. In 1862, he publishes his book, A Memory of Solferino. The book contains two major ideas: To set up relief committees in times of peace to train volunteers who would treat the wounded in times of war, and to draw up an international agreement to recognize and protect these committees. *date disputed (Picture Source: ICRC) -
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Founded
On February 9th, 1863, Dunant and 4 other leading figures from well-known Geneva families, formed the "Committee of the Five", which gave itself the name of "International Relief Committee for Injured Combatants" and in 1875 adopted the name "International Committee of the Red Cross". The task of the committee was to consider putting the ideas from A Memory of Solferino into action. (Picture Source: redcross.int) -
Red Cross Adopted
An international conference, called by the Committee to launch the Red Cross Movement, opens in Geneva, running from the 23-29 of October, 1863.
One of the ideas suggested and implemented at the conference was the Adoption of the Red Cross on white background as a protective emblem to distinguish national committees to care for wounded military. -
The Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field Adopted
The Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field is adopted by the conference. (Picture Source: International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum) -
Additional Articles Added
Articles are added relating to the Condition of the Wounded in War. -
Henry Dunant awarded Nobel Peace Prize.
On December 10, 1901, Henry Dunant is awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize. (Picture Source: nobelprize.org) -
Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies at Sea
The next Geneva Convention is for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies at Sea. It specifically addressed members of the Armed Forces at sea. -
Henry Dunant Dies
Henry Dunant dies in Switzerland, at the age of 82 -
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World War One -42 National Societies in Action
By World War One, modern technology had improved to the point that weapons could be mass produced, so millions are killed, both military and civilians. Some volunteers of the ICRC work at the front of the battle, while others assembled supplies for treating the wounded, and two million individual parcels are sent to prisoners by the ICRC. The War also reveals an urgent need to protect civilian internees. -
National Societies Set Up League
In 1919, the National Societies set up the League of Red Cross Societies to coordinate their work, like rebuilding health services,, fighting famine and epidemics, and looking after displaced people. The movement from this point begins to grow more universal. (Picture Source: UNCHR) -
Conventions Relative to Prisoners of War Treatment Adopted
A new Geneva Convention lays down rules to protect and care for prisoners of war. This was the predecessor to the Third Geneva Convention we know today. This year also marks the official recognition of the Red Crescent emblem (first used in 1876) -
Continued -Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies at Sea
The Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies at Sea is continued and concluded on July 27, 1929, entering into effect on June 19, 1931. -
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World War Two
The ICRC again checks observance of the Geneva Conventions, traces and protects prisoners of war, and handles prisoners' mail. National Societies and the League organize food parcels. At the outset, the ICRC got all parties to the conflict to extend provisions of 1929 Geneva Conventions to civilians of enemy nationality who were on the territory of a party to the conflict and had been arrested only because of nationality. At the end of the war, the ICRC brings relief to millions of refugees. -
The Geneva Conventions of Today
In 1949, states revise the existing humanitarian law treaties and adopt a new one, to protect civilains during times of war. These are the four Geneva Conventions in force today. -
Protocols I and II
Protocol I is an amendment to the Geneva Conventions relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts. Protocol II is an amendment to the Geneva Conventions relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts. -
Protocol III
This Protocol related to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive emblem, commonly referred to as the red crystal, alongside the red cross and red crescent. -
Universal Acceptance
There are 194 states party to the Geneva Conventions. This is the first time in modern history a international treaty has found universal acceptance. -
60 Years
The Geneva Conventions celebrate 60 years since their adoption.
