The history of the International Committee of the Red Cross | The Laws Of War | ICRC

Summary

In June 1859, Henri Dunant, a Geneva merchant, finds himself on a battlefield in northern Italy between French and Austrian forces. Amidst the chaos, he witnesses the horrific aftermath and sets up a makeshift hospital to care for the wounded. His efforts inspire the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross and lead to the creation of the first Geneva Convention in 1864, which established protections for wounded soldiers and civilians in times of war. Dunant's compassion and vision laid the foundation for the humanitarian aid that continues today.

Takeaways

• 😀 In June 1859, Henri Dunant, a Geneva merchant, set off on important business to meet Napoleon III in northern Italy.
• 😀 While traveling, Dunant unexpectedly found himself in the middle of a brutal battlefield between French and Austrian forces near the village of Sulino.
• 😀 The battle left thousands of soldiers dead, dying, or wounded, and the medical teams were overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care.
• 😀 Horrified by the conditions, Dunant immediately took action to help the wounded, setting up a makeshift hospital in a local church.
• 😀 Dunant was joined by villagers, including women and the elderly, who assisted in treating both French and Austrian soldiers without discrimination.
• 😀 They worked tirelessly around the clock to provide care for the wounded, even helping soldiers send final messages to their loved ones.
• 😀 After returning to Switzerland, Dunant wrote a book titled *A Memory of Sulferino* in 1862, sharing his experience and calling for action.
• 😀 Dunant's book proposed the creation of a neutral, independent body to provide care and protection for wounded soldiers during wartime, regardless of sides.
• 😀 His groundbreaking idea led to the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863 with four other men.
• 😀 In 1864, the Geneva Convention was established, creating international guidelines for humanitarian aid and protection for wounded soldiers during war, influencing later conventions.
• 😀 Henri Dunant's efforts laid the foundation for the Red Cross and its humanitarian mission, showing humanity in the face of conflict and suffering.

Q & A

Who was Henri Dunant and why was he traveling in northern Italy in June 1859?

Henri Dunant was a Geneva merchant who was on an important business trip to meet Napoleon III, the emperor of France, during his stay in northern Italy in June 1859.

What unexpected event did Henri Dunant encounter while traveling?

Henri Dunant unexpectedly found himself in the midst of a battlefield between the French and Austrian armies near the village of Sulino, where a bloody conflict was taking place.

What was the condition of the battlefield when Dunant arrived?

The battlefield was horrific, with thousands of soldiers dead, dying, or wounded. The medical teams were overwhelmed and unable to provide adequate care to the soldiers.

What actions did Henri Dunant take to help the wounded?

Henri Dunant set up a makeshift hospital in a church in the village, where the wounded could receive care in peace. He was joined by the villagers, including women and the elderly, who helped treat both French and Austrian soldiers.

How did the villagers contribute to the medical efforts during the battle?

The villagers, including women and the elderly, helped by treating the wounded soldiers, and they also recorded and sent their last goodbyes to the soldiers' loved ones.

What did Henri Dunant do after returning to Switzerland?

After returning to Switzerland, Henri Dunant wrote and published a book titled 'A Memory of Sulfurino' in 1862, which highlighted the horrors he witnessed and the need for organized humanitarian aid in war.

What was the main idea proposed by Henri Dunant in his book?

Henri Dunant proposed the establishment of a neutral, independent body in each country to provide humanitarian aid to the wounded during war, regardless of the side they were on.

How was Henri Dunant's idea received by others?

Dunant's idea was revolutionary and found support from others. He and four other men went on to form the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which was crucial in implementing the idea.

What significant event occurred in 1864 related to Dunant's vision?

In 1864, an international diplomatic conference was held in Geneva, leading to the adoption of the first Geneva Convention, which established neutral humanitarian aid and protection for wounded soldiers during war.

How did the Geneva Conventions evolve over time?

The Geneva Conventions evolved after the First and Second World Wars, expanding to include protections for the wounded, sick, shipwrecked sailors, prisoners of war, and civilians affected by war.