International Committee of the Red Cross

Pablo Mathis

"Amidst War, Charity" (Slogan of the ICRC)

Timeframe: 17/02/1863 – 29/07/2057

Switzerland · Humanitarian Interventions

Key Insights

• 1859, Swiss businessman Henry Dunant witnessed the aftermath of the Ballte of Solferino. Shocked by the widespread suffering, Dunant became a founding member of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863. The ICRC was the first organisation dedicated to helping wounded soldiers and providing help to all wounded belligerents. The Red Cross’s unconditional help to all belligerents has been criticised, as it may necessitate cooperation with regimes that violate humanitarian law and human rights.

Additional Information

Picture of the IRCR Helping Wounded Soldiers: {{PD-US-expired}} No Changes Were Made. Source / Author: Max Lemmenmeier: Stickereiblüte. In: Sankt-Galler Geschichte 2003, Band 6 / Edition 6, Die Zeit des Kantons 1861–1914. Amt für Kultur des Kantons St. Gallen, St. Gallen 2003, ISBN 3-908048-43-5; Seite 59 / Page 59. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Bourbaki-Internierte.jpg

Documents: 📄 Full Publication (PDF)