History of the Red Cross and the Geneva Convention

Summary

The Red Cross, born from the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino, is a global humanitarian organization providing emergency assistance and disaster relief. Founded by Henry Dunant, it has grown to encompass 190 countries with 97 million members and volunteers, aiding over 233 million people annually. The movement operates under principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, with funding from global donations. Its history includes significant challenges like World War I and the Holocaust, where it aimed to maintain neutrality while providing aid.

Takeaways

• 🏥 The Red Cross is a global humanitarian organization known for providing emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education.
• 🇨🇭 Founded after the Battle of Solferino, the Red Cross was inspired by Henry Dunant's experience and his book 'A Memory of Solferino', which proposed non-combatant medical teams and international protection for aid workers.
• 🔄 The Red Cross symbol is a reversed Swiss flag, with variations like the Red Crescent used in the Muslim world and the Red Crystal in certain countries.
• 📜 The Geneva Conventions, beginning with the first in 1864, were established to implement Dunant's ideas and protect wounded soldiers and medical personnel.
• 🌍 The Red Cross movement has expanded worldwide, with 97 million members and volunteers assisting over 233 million people annually.
• 🏆 The Red Cross was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901, recognizing its significant humanitarian efforts.
• 🛑 During World War I, the Red Cross faced its first major challenge, providing support to European countries and establishing the International Prisoners of War Agency.
• 📧 The POW agency used postcards to maintain hope and inform families about prisoners' well-being, showcasing their daily activities.
• 🏛️ The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was founded to broaden the Red Cross's activities to include non-war emergencies like natural disasters.
• 💸 The Red Cross is funded through donations from states, organizations, private companies, and individuals, adhering to principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and more.
• 🌐 The movement holds an international conference every four years and operates under the governance of the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent between conferences.

Q & A

What is the primary mission of the Red Cross?

The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education around the world.

What event led to the establishment of the Red Cross?

The Battle of Solferino in Italy during the mid-19th century, which left around 35,000 casualties and inspired Henry Dunant to help organize aid for the wounded soldiers.

Who was Henry Dunant and what was his role in the creation of the Red Cross?

Henry Dunant was a Swiss businessman who was horrified by the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino. He helped organize aid for the wounded and later wrote a book suggesting the creation of non-combatant teams for medical help, which led to the establishment of the Red Cross.

What is the significance of the Red Cross symbol?

The symbol of the Red Cross is the reverse version of the Swiss flag, symbolizing neutrality and protection. In some countries, like those in the Muslim world, the red crescent moon is used instead.

What is the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)?

The ICRC is an organization that was named by Gustav Moenier, a member of Dunant's committee, and it was responsible for expanding the Red Cross movement across Europe and winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.

What are the four Geneva Conventions and how do they relate to the Red Cross?

The four Geneva Conventions are international treaties that establish the standards of international law for humanitarian treatment in war. They aim to implement Dunant's ideas and are closely related to the Red Cross's mission of providing aid and protection during conflicts.

How did the Red Cross respond to World War One?

During World War One, the Red Cross faced its first big challenge, with volunteers traveling outside Europe to support affected countries and setting up the International Prisoners of War Agency to ensure the protection of prisoners.

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

The Red Cross continued its mission with POWs during the Second World War, but its response to the Jewish Holocaust was criticized as indifferent due to their attempt to maintain neutrality and not interfere with political matters.

What is the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and its purpose?

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is an organization that aims to expand the Red Cross activities beyond the ICRC's law, including responses to emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.

How is the Red Cross funded and what are its guiding principles?

The Red Cross is funded by donations from states, organizations, private companies, and individuals. It operates under the fundamental principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

How often does the Red Cross hold an international conference and what is its purpose?

The Red Cross holds an international conference every four years with members of the International Federation from around the world. This conference serves as the highest governing body of the movement, supervising the implementation of its resolutions and coordinating activities.

Outlines

00:00

🏥 The Birth and Growth of the Red Cross Movement

The Red Cross is a global humanitarian organization known for its emergency assistance and disaster relief efforts. Originating from the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in 1859, where Swiss businessman Henry Dunant was moved to help wounded soldiers, the organization was formalized through his book 'A Memory of Solferino.' This book proposed the establishment of neutral medical teams and protection for aid workers, which led to the formation of the Red Cross. The symbol, a reversed Swiss flag, is used worldwide, with variations like the Red Crescent in Muslim countries. The movement expanded through international conferences and the signing of the Geneva Conventions, leading to the establishment of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and later the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Red Cross played a significant role in both World Wars, especially in managing prisoners of war and providing disaster relief. Today, it operates in 190 countries with 97 million members and volunteers, funded by global donations and adhering to principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and unity.

05:03

💰 Supporting the Red Cross: Donations and Engagement

The Red Cross relies on donations to fund its humanitarian efforts worldwide. This paragraph encourages viewers to support the organization by donating and engaging with their content. It invites viewers to like the video, leave comments, and share it if they find it valuable, emphasizing the importance of community support in the Red Cross's mission to provide aid and assistance globally.

Keywords

💡Humanitarian

Humanitarian refers to actions or activities aimed at promoting human welfare, often involving assistance to people in need. In the context of the video, the Red Cross is described as a humanitarian organization, highlighting its role in providing emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education around the world.

💡Disaster Relief

Disaster relief is the provision of assistance and aid to regions or communities affected by disasters, such as natural calamities or conflicts. The video emphasizes the Red Cross's involvement in disaster relief efforts, showcasing its commitment to helping those impacted by such events.

💡Battle of Solferino

The Battle of Solferino was a significant conflict in 1859 that led to the creation of the Red Cross. The video mentions this battle as the catalyst for Henry Dunant's vision of a humanitarian organization, after witnessing the aftermath and the lack of medical care for wounded soldiers.

💡Henry Dunant

Henry Dunant is the Swiss businessman and social activist who founded the Red Cross. The video describes his pivotal role in organizing aid for wounded soldiers during the Battle of Solferino and his subsequent advocacy for the establishment of a neutral aid organization.

💡Geneva Conventions

The Geneva Conventions are a series of international treaties that establish the standards of international law for humanitarian treatment in war. The video refers to the first of these conventions, signed by delegates from various countries, which aimed to implement the ideas proposed by Dunant.

💡Red Cross Symbol

The Red Cross symbol is a protective emblem used by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other organizations within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The video explains that the symbol is a reverse of the Swiss flag, with variations like the Red Crescent used in certain regions.

💡International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

The ICRC is the original and largest part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, responsible for providing humanitarian protection and assistance to victims of war and armed violence. The video mentions Gustav Moynier's role in naming the ICRC and its expansion across Europe.

💡League of Red Cross Societies

The League of Red Cross Societies, later renamed the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, was founded to expand the Red Cross's activities beyond the ICRC's mandate. The video discusses its founding and its mission to respond to emergencies not caused by war.

💡Prisoners of War (POWs)

The term POWs refers to soldiers who have been captured during armed conflict and are held in custody by a belligerent power. The video highlights the Red Cross's efforts during World War I to set up the International Prisoners of War Agency, which aimed to ensure the protection of POWs.

💡Fundamental Principles

The fundamental principles of the Red Cross movement include Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality. These principles guide the organization's work, as mentioned in the video, ensuring that aid is provided based on need without discrimination.

💡International Conference

The International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent is a quadrennial event that serves as the highest governing body of the movement. The video explains that this conference brings together members from around the world to discuss and coordinate the movement's activities.

Highlights

The Red Cross is a global humanitarian organization providing emergency assistance and disaster relief.

It is known for its symbol, the Red Cross, which is reversed from the Swiss flag.

The Red Cross movement originated after the Battle of Solferino in the mid-19th century.

Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, was instrumental in the establishment of the Red Cross after witnessing the battle's aftermath.

Dunant's book, 'A Memory of Solferino', proposed the idea of non-combatant medical teams and international protection for aid workers.

The first Geneva Convention was signed to implement Dunant's ideas, leading to the formation of the Red Cross.

The Red Cross symbol varies by region, with the Red Crescent used in the Muslim world and the Red Crystal in certain countries.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was established, with Dunant initially as a member.

The Red Cross expanded globally, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.

During World War I, the Red Cross supported European countries and established the International Prisoners of War Agency.

The Red Cross published postcards of prisoners to keep hope alive for their families during wars.

The League of Red Cross Societies, now known as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, was founded to expand Red Cross activities.

The Red Cross faced criticism for its response to the Jewish Holocaust during World War II, aiming to maintain neutrality.

The Red Cross operates in 190 countries with 97 million members and volunteers, assisting over 233 million people annually.

The organization is funded by donations from states, organizations, private companies, and individuals.

The Red Cross adheres to seven fundamental principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

An international conference is held every four years, with a Standing Commission overseeing activities between conferences.

Transcripts

The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency

assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education around the world.

It is more recognizable for the symbol they wear in most of the Western world :

A Red Cross. But what's behind all that? Well a big worldwide humanitarian

movement, and let's talk about its story and the way it works. The Battle of

Solferino was held in Italy in the mid XIX Century between Austria and

the French Italian alliance. The conflict left around 35,000 casualties and the

medical teams weren't enough to help all the wounded soldiers left on the

battlefield. A Swiss businessman called Henry Dunant was travelling around there

and was horrified by the battles aftermath, so he helped organize people

around to bring aid to the wounded soldiers from both sides and encouraged

the French Alliance army to release captured Austrian doctors to help.

He also financed the creation of makeshift hospitals. Some years later he

wrote a book "A Memory of Solferino in which he suggested the creation of

non-combatant teams to provide medical help to the wounded on both sides. It

also promoted the idea of guaranteed international protection for those aid

teams. That book was widely distributed and reached the hands of several

important European figures, then the Genovese Public Welfare Organization set

up a five person team to consider and shape Dunant ideas, being to Dunant himself

a member of it. Some weeks later they organized an international conference

with delegates around Europe to discuss the committee's plans and launching the

Red Cross movement. The symbol of the Red Cross is the reverse version of the

Swiss flag- 33 states in the Muslim world used the red crescent moon as the

reversal of the Ottoman Empire flag, and his rails emergency service used the red

crystal symbol. The next year the Swiss government organized the conference

where delegates around Europe, US, Mexico and Brazil signed the first of

four Geneva Conventions, aiming for the implementation of Dunant's ideas. Months

later the first Red Cross volunteers were seen in action in Denmark. In this

period Gustav Moneir, a member of Dunant's committee became president, named it

the International Committee of the Red Cross

and fired Dunant from the team. The movement expanded across Europe and won

the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901, in the coming years after the second version of

the Geneva Convention, the movement arrived in Latin America, Asia and other

African countries. World War one meant the first big challenge for the Red

Cross, volunteers outside Europe traveled to support European countries during the

war, also the committee set up the International Prisoners of War Agency

which cared about the guaranteed protection of people jailed during the

war. Due to the agency intervention, thousands of prisoners were exchanged

between wars sides released from captivity or returned home during the

war. The POW agency published postcards of prisoners in their daily life doing

activities that didn't affect their integrity, with the goal of keeping hope

alive in their families and informing about their wellness. Then in 1901

Henry Davison president of the Americas Red Cross, led the foundation of the

League of Red Cross Societies later renamed to the International Federation

of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. With the goal expanding the Red Cross

activities beyond ICRC law including response to emergency situations not

caused by war, like natural or man-made disasters. Every National Society is a

member of this movement, leagues foundation was met with controversy due

to the potential rivaltity against the original Red Cross's Committee. Its first

mission involved an aide organized in Poland for the victims of a famine and

typhus epidemic. For the Second World War the Red Cross kept its mission on POWs,

but its response to the Jewish Holocaust was criticised as indifferent, the moment

a league that they were trying to keep its neutrality reputation and not

interfering with political matters. The Nazis health control of the German Red

Cross difficult in their cooperation during the conflict. The Red Cross got

permission from the SS to visit concentration camps only if the

delegates stayed until the end of the war. 10 delegates accepted those

conditions and attended the concentration camps. Nowadays the

movement is present in 190 countries. Around the world has 97 million members

and volunteers helping around 233 million people per year. They get funded

by donations from different states and organizations around

the world, private companies and even individuals. They serve under the

fundamental principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence,

Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. Every four years the movement holds an

international conference with members of the International Federation from around

the world, and the founding committee members. That comforms works as the Red

Cross's highest governing body between conferences the Standing Commission of

the Red Cross and Red Crescent work as the highest governing body of the

movement, supervising the implementations of the conference's resolution and

coordinating activities between both the Red Cross's international organizations.

Yep these are a bunch of long names but that's how the Red Cross works around

the world, as we said before the Red Cross gets funding with donations and

will attach the links where you can donate below. We hope you enjoyed this

video, if you liked it, push that like button feel free to leave us a comment

or share if you think it's worth it. Stay Fresh