Where did the Geneva Conventions come from? | The Laws Of War | ICRC

Summary

In 1859, after witnessing the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino, Swiss businessman Henri Dunant advocated for the establishment of neutral aid societies to assist wounded soldiers. His efforts led to the formation of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which has evolved to include 185 National Societies. The movement, guided by principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality, aims to alleviate human suffering during conflicts and natural disasters, protect life and health, and promote peace and understanding among peoples.

Takeaways

• 🇫🇷 The Battle of Solferino on June 24, 1859, was a pivotal event that led to the establishment of the Red Cross, highlighting the dire need for organized wartime medical aid.
• 🏥 Swiss businessman Henry Dunant was deeply affected by the lack of medical services for wounded soldiers, which inspired him to propose a system of volunteer aid societies.
• 📚 Dunant's book 'A Memory of Solferino' outlined the concept of neutral aid societies and the need for international agreements to protect them, laying the groundwork for International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
• 🆘 In 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was founded in Geneva, with the mission to protect and assist victims of war and armed violence.
• ⚑ The adoption of the 1864 Geneva Convention marked a significant step in the development of IHL, aiming to ameliorate the condition of wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
• 🌐 The Red Crescent was introduced in 1876 by Turkey as an alternative emblem to the Red Cross, reflecting cultural sensitivities.
• 🏅 The first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901 was awarded to Dunant, recognizing his contributions to establishing the Red Cross and promoting peace.
• 🚫 The 1907 Hague Convention expanded on rules of warfare, prohibiting the use of poisoned weapons and the execution of surrendered soldiers.
• 🌍 The Red Cross movement grew to include 42 National Societies by the time of World War I, demonstrating its global reach and impact.
• 📈 The movement's principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality are key to its ability to provide aid to all those in need, regardless of political or social affiliations.

Q & A

What significant event occurred at Solferino on June 24, 1859?

On June 24, 1859, at Solferino in Northern Italy, a bloody battle took place between the French and Austrian armies, resulting in nearly 40,000 soldiers dead or wounded.

Who was the Swiss businessman that was revolted by the aftermath of the battle at Solferino?

The Swiss businessman who was revolted by the aftermath of the battle at Solferino was Henry Dunant.

What did Henry Dunant do in response to the wounded soldiers at Solferino?

Henry Dunant organized first aid for the wounded soldiers, convincing local people to care for all the wounded regardless of their army affiliation.

What was the outcome of Dunant's request to the military authorities at Solferino?

Dunant requested the release of Austrian doctors, orderlies, and surgeons who were taken prisoner so they could help treat the wounded. The military authorities agreed to consider his request.

What did Henry Dunant publish in 1862 that contained two major ideas?

In 1862, Henry Dunant published 'A Memory of Solferino,' which contained two major ideas: setting up elite committees to train volunteers for wartime medical aid and drafting an international agreement to recognize and protect these committees.

What organization did Dunant and four other citizens of Geneva found in 1863?

In 1863, Dunant and four other citizens of Geneva founded the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

What was the purpose of the symbol adopted by the Red Cross movement?

The symbol adopted by the Red Cross movement was intended to protect Army Medical Corps Personnel on the battlefield so they wouldn't be attacked and all wounded could be treated.

What convention was adopted in 1864 to improve the condition of wounded soldiers?

The 'Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field' was adopted in 1864.

Why did Turkey decide to use the Red Crescent instead of the Red Cross?

Turkey decided to use the Red Crescent in 1876, considering it more in line with local culture.

Who was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901, and why?

Henry Dunant was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901 for his efforts to preserve a little humanity in the midst of war and his foundational work in establishing the Red Cross movement.

What was the role of the Red Cross during the First World War?

During the First World War, the Red Cross delivered millions of letters and parcels to prisoners, worked at the front, and helped coordinate aid efforts for displaced persons, famine, and epidemics.

What significant legal document was created in 1949 to protect civilians during times of war?

In 1949, States revised existing humanitarian law treaties and adopted new ones known as the four Geneva Conventions to protect civilians during times of war.

What are the two fundamental ideas that the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is based on?

IHL is based on the ideas that people who aren't fighting are to be protected and that the choice of weapons and methods of war are limited.

What is the significance of the Red Crystal emblem added in 2005?

The Red Crystal emblem added in 2005 gives National Societies an additional emblem to use, allowing them to maintain neutrality and cultural sensitivity in their operations.

Outlines

00:00

🏥 Birth of the Red Cross Movement

The script narrates the inception of the Red Cross movement during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, where the lack of medical aid for wounded soldiers prompted a Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, to initiate on-the-spot relief efforts. His experiences led to the publication of 'A Memory of Solferino', advocating for the establishment of national committees to train volunteers for wartime medical assistance. This vision culminated in the formation of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the development of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The movement's symbol, a red cross on a white background, was adopted to protect medical personnel and the wounded during conflicts. The first Geneva Convention in 1864 aimed to improve the treatment of wounded soldiers, and the movement expanded with the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863.

05:03

🌍 Expansion and Challenges of the Red Cross

The script details the growth and challenges faced by the Red Cross movement, including its response to the First World War, where it provided aid to millions of soldiers and civilians. It also discusses the movement's role in addressing the Spanish Flu pandemic post-WWI and the establishment of a league to coordinate relief efforts. The movement's principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality are highlighted, along with its efforts to protect non-combatants and limit the destructiveness of warfare. The script also covers the movement's response to the Second World War, where it provided aid to prisoners of war and civilians, despite the unprecedented scale of violence and the Holocaust. The 1949 revision of the Geneva Conventions introduced additional protections for civilians during wartime.

10:04

🌐 Principles and Global Reach of the Red Cross

This section of the script underscores the core principles of the Red Cross movement, including neutrality, independence, impartiality, and unity. It emphasizes the movement's global reach, with millions of volunteers constituting the largest humanitarian network in the world. The script outlines the movement's efforts to assist in various crises, such as natural disasters and epidemics, and its commitment to promoting peace and mutual understanding. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which succeeded the league established in 1919, coordinates national societies' efforts in disaster preparedness and response. The script also mentions the adoption of the red crystal emblem in 2005, providing an additional symbol for national societies to use in line with local cultural sensitivities.

Keywords

💡Solferino

Solferino refers to the location in Northern Italy where a significant battle took place on June 24, 1859, between the French and Austrian armies. This battle is pivotal to the video's narrative as it was the event that inspired Swiss businessman Henry Dunant to take action, leading to the founding of the Red Cross. The keyword is central to understanding the historical context and the motivation behind the humanitarian movement.

💡Henry Dunant

Henry Dunant is the Swiss businessman who, upon witnessing the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino, was moved to action. His name is synonymous with the founding of the Red Cross and the development of international humanitarian law. In the script, Dunant's response to the suffering he saw at Solferino is a key moment that sets the stage for the establishment of the Red Cross and its principles.

💡Red Cross

The Red Cross is an international humanitarian organization that provides aid in response to wars and natural disasters. The keyword is central to the video's theme, as the organization's founding and its subsequent work are the main focus. The Red Cross is mentioned throughout the script as the entity that coordinates aid, delivers parcels, and ensures the protection and assistance of those affected by conflict and disaster.

💡International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

International Humanitarian Law is the set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict. It is a key concept in the video, illustrating the evolution of laws and treaties aimed at protecting non-combatants and regulating the conduct of warfare. The script mentions the development of IHL, including the Geneva Conventions, which are central to the Red Cross's mission of ensuring humane treatment during war.

💡Geneva Conventions

The Geneva Conventions are a series of international treaties that establish the standards of international law for humanitarian treatment in war. The keyword is crucial to the video's narrative as it highlights the legal framework that the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations work within to protect victims of war. The script references the revision and adoption of these conventions as a significant step in the development of international humanitarian law.

💡Red Crescent

The Red Crescent is a symbol used by some countries, particularly in the Muslim world, as an alternative to the Red Cross. It represents the same humanitarian principles and is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The script mentions Turkey's decision to use the Red Crescent, which is an example of cultural adaptation within the movement while maintaining the core mission.

💡Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize is an international award given to those who have made significant contributions to promoting peace. In the script, the awarding of the first Nobel Peace Prize to Henry Dunant in 1901 underscores the global recognition of his work and the importance of the Red Cross's humanitarian efforts. This keyword serves to highlight the prestige and impact of Dunant's contributions.

💡First Aid

First aid refers to the initial assistance given to any injured person in an emergency. The script mentions the importance of first aid training and the role of volunteers in providing immediate care during conflicts and disasters. This keyword is integral to the video's message about the necessity of immediate and effective care for the wounded and the role of the Red Cross in training volunteers.

💡Neutrality

Neutrality is the principle of not taking sides in a conflict, which is essential for humanitarian organizations to provide aid to all in need without bias. The script emphasizes the importance of neutrality for the Red Cross and its volunteers, allowing them access to all parties in a conflict and ensuring impartiality in their assistance. This keyword is central to the ethical stance of the Red Cross.

💡Humanitarian Crisis

A humanitarian crisis is a situation that exists when people are unable to meet their basic human needs, often due to conflict or disaster. The script describes various contexts where the Red Cross intervenes, such as during wars, epidemics, and natural disasters, to alleviate suffering and provide essential services. This keyword is crucial for understanding the scope and impact of the Red Cross's work.

💡International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is a global network that coordinates the efforts of National Societies. The keyword represents the organizational structure that allows for a unified response to global crises. In the script, the Federation is mentioned as a key player in disaster preparedness and response, highlighting its role in the broader Red Cross movement.

Highlights

On June 24, 1859, a bloody battle between French and Austrian armies resulted in nearly 40,000 casualties.

The medical services were overwhelmed, and there was no special protection for the wounded.

A Swiss businessman, moved by the suffering, organized first aid for the wounded, emphasizing the universal brotherhood in suffering.

The businessman, Dunant, proposed the release of captured medical personnel to aid the wounded.

Dunant's experiences led to the publication of 'A Memory of Solferino' in 1862, advocating for organized committees to aid the wounded during wars.

The idea of an international agreement to protect these committees laid the foundation for International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

In 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was founded by Dunant and four other Geneva citizens.

The adoption of the Red Cross symbol aimed to protect medical personnel and ensure treatment for all wounded, regardless of their side.

The 1864 Geneva Convention was a significant step in improving the condition of wounded soldiers in the field.

Turkey's decision to use the Red Crescent in 1876 reflected cultural sensitivity in humanitarian symbols.

Andre Dunant was awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901, recognizing the relevance of preserving humanity in war.

The 1907 Hague Convention prohibited the use of poisoned weapons and the execution of surrendered soldiers.

The Red Cross movement expanded to 42 National Societies by the time of World War I.

During WWI, the ICRC delivered millions of letters and parcels to prisoners and worked to ensure POWs were treated according to the 1929 Geneva Convention.

The 1949 revision of humanitarian law treaties and the adoption of new conventions aimed to protect civilians during war.

The ICRC's role in protecting and assisting war victims includes ensuring the well-being of captured soldiers and detained civilians.

The Red Cross movement operates on principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality to ensure universal access to aid.

The movement's focus on protecting life, health, and promoting respect for the individual supports peace and understanding between peoples.

By 2007, the Red Cross movement included the ICRC, the International Federation, and 185 National societies.

Transcripts

solforino Northern Italy the 24th of

June 1859

the French and Austrian armies fight a

bloody battle

by the end of the day almost 40 000

soldiers are either dead or lying

wounded and abandoned on the battlefield

the medical services are unable to cope

and they have no special protection

only do no a Swiss businessman traveling

through the area arrives at sofarino

hours after the battle

is revolted by what he sees

this is

about it Wars like that

duno organized first aid convincing

local people to look after all the

wounded both French and Austrian we are

all Brothers in suffering

what's the meaning of this

uh

let me explain colonel

and how do you intend to get hold of the

dressing the medicines you'll need I'm

prepared to pay for them myself but

there is something you can do speak what

do you need

release the Austrian doctors orderlies

and surgeons you took prisoner and send

them to me is that all you're audacious

in your request

not a bad idea I suppose I'll see what I

can do thank you colonel all I care

about are the wounded

back in his native Geneva dunon doesn't

forget in 1862 he publishes a memory of

salforino the book contains two major

ideas

set up for elite committees in time of

peace to train volunteers who would

treat the wounded in time of War he's a

dream this led to the National Red Cross

and red crescent Society no he's right

something must be done draw up an

international agreement to recognize and

protect these committees this formed the

basis of international humanitarian law

IHL in 1863 duno and four other citizens

of Geneva founded the international

Committee of the Red Cross

icrc this will be a universal symbol to

protect Army Medical Corps Personnel on

the battlefield so they won't be

attacked and all the wounded get treated

whichever side they're on 1864 the

convention for the amelioration of the

condition of the Wounded in armies in

the field is adopted

in 1876 turkey decides to use the red

crescent considering it more in line

with local culture

in 1901 the very first Nobel Peace Prize

is awarded to Andre Dino

the number of conflicts is rising

proving the relevance of his basic idea

to preserve a little Humanity in the

midst of War

written rules governing methods of War

start to appear the 1907 Hague

convention prohibits the use of poisoned

weapons and the execution of soldiers

who have surrendered

there are 42 National Societies in

action by the time of the first World

War

[Music]

during the first world war modern

industry is able to produce weapons in

such quantity that millions are killed

both military and civilian gas is used

on a large scale

some volunteers work at the front

[Music]

others assemble Parcels of clothing food

tobacco glasses or medicine

the icrc delivers millions of letters

and Parcels to prisoners despite

blockades and fronts

[Music]

the war ends in 1918 but it is followed

by a health disaster Spanish Flu kills

more people than four years of war

in 1919 the national societies set up a

league to coordinate their work we have

to look after displaced persons fight

famine and epidemics rebuild the health

services

the movement becomes more and more

Universal

new conflicts break out in Spain

Ethiopia and China civilians are

attacked regularly

these violent conflicts foreshadow the

mass destruction of the second World War

[Music]

prisoners of War receive over 36 million

parcels and 120 million letters

icrc delegates visit prisoner of war

camps to verify that pows are being

treated in accordance with the 1929

Geneva Convention

but nobody prevents the deliberate

killing during the war of millions of

people notably Jews the world reaches

new levels of barbarity

in 1949 States revise existing

humanitarian law treaties and adopt a

new one to protect civilians in times of

War these are the four Geneva

conventions in force today even Wars

have limits right

IHL is based on two fundamental ideas

people who aren't fighting are to be

protected

[Applause]

choice of weapons and of methods of War

are limited

in 1977 two Protocols are added to the

Geneva conventions

a third protocol in 2005 gives National

societies the possibility of using an

additional emblem the red Crystal

the icrc protects and assists the

victims of war and explains to all

combatants the rules they must obey

if a combatant surrenders he must be

treated decently

we've heard that some of your Fighters

burned down a village near the river

we'll deal with whoever was responsible

victims of war receive the food and

other items they need to survive there's

enough for everyone

Medical Teams operate on casualties at

the front

delegates dig Wells

vaccinate livestock

Orthopedic Centers care for people who

have lost limbs often through landmines

see you can do it

families separated by War use satellite

phones or write Red Cross messages to

keep in touch

icrc traces missing people and reunites

them with their families

together

during our conflict the icrc makes sure

that the physical and psychological

well-being of captured soldiers and

detained civilians is respected

I must remind you that torture and ill

treatment are prohibited where necessary

delegates try to improve the physical

conditions of detention

this is how we intend to renovate the

cells

working as a neutral intermediary the

icrc can repatriate prisoners of war and

civilian internees at the end of a

conflict

National Society volunteers play a vital

role because they know the situation on

the ground when violence is at its worst

they may well be the only ones who can

get to the victims

but there's more than just War

natural disasters affect millions of

people every year

including earthquakes

climate change is exacerbating the

consequences of droughts hurricanes and

floods

many people don't know the basic rules

of hygiene they have difficulty

obtaining enough safe water and

Healthcare is inadequate the

International Federation of Red Cross

and red crescent societies which

succeeded the league set up in 1919

coordinates the work of the national

societies it helps them to prepare for

and respond to epidemics and disasters

both natural and man-made AIDS is

spreading across the world destroying

entire communities

lives are threatened by seemingly minor

diseases

National societies invest heavily in

first aid training

in an emergency simple actions can save

lives

the International Red Cross and red

crescent movement follows principles

that earn it the confidence and respect

of all

an important principle is neutrality

because it refuses to take sides its

members should have access to everyone

in need

the movement has to be independent

so as not to give in to public opinion

or political pressure

being impartial means trying to help

everyone

starting with those whose need is most

urgent

and not discriminating on the basis of

race religion political persuasion or

social status

[Music]

to ensure that help is provided to all

there must only be one National Society

in any given country

by being open to all the National

Society avoids the temptation to help

only one group

millions of volunteers most of them

young make up the biggest humanitarian

movement in the world they are motivated

not by profit but by a desire to relieve

the suffering of those most in need

National societies have a duty to help

each other

the movement aims to protect life and

health and to promote respect for the

individual it supports Mutual

understanding friendship cooperation and

enduring peace between peoples

[Music]

in 2007 the movement was made up of the

icrc the International Federation and

185 National societies

[Music]

foreign

[Music]