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Welcome to the History Section The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world's largest humanitarian network, with a presence and activities in almost every country. The Movement incorporates the Genevabased International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the International Federation), as well as National Societies in 186 countries. With a vibrant and varied history, from its birth in the aftermath of battle in 1859 and the vision of founder Henry Dunant and four other men, through two world wars and up to today, the Movement is widely acknowledged as an unstoppable force for help and compassio

The movement defined The red cross and red crescent on a white background are among the 20th century's most enduring images. In war and peace, and in the midst of suffering and tragedy caused by man-made or natural disasters, they are internationally-recognised symbols of help and compassion. An idea forged in the bloody aftermath of the Battle of Solferino in 1859 through the vision of its founders has grown to become the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. "The Movement" is a term covering two international institutions with headquarters in Geneva and national societies in 186 countries. The two institutions are the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the International Federation). The National Societies comprise most of the more than 97 million Red Cross workers - the world's biggest volunteer force. With the advent of more and more complex humanitarian emergencies, the work of both institutions is required to handle certain crises. When this is the case, the work of both is governed by an agreement signed in Spain in November of 1997, known as "the Seville Agreement" -- it establishes one of the institutions, or a National Society, as the 'lead agency' responsible for spearheading the Movement's work overall.

Notable people in the history of the Red Cross and Red Crescent From the Committee of Five, that became the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the 1860s, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been led by men and women of vision and integrity. They brought to the Movement experience gained in varied professional lives. There have been 13 presidents of the ICRC starting with Henri Dufour in 1863-64. The current president, Jakob Kellenberger took up the post at the beginning of this year. Traditionally, the ICRC presisident is a Swiss national. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the Federation), founded in 1919 under the name "League of Red Cross Societies", has had 13 chairmen since Henry Davidson, an American, in 1919-22. The Federation's current head is Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro Rivero from Spain, elected in November 2001. The Standing Commission, elected by the International Conference, comprises members of National Societies and representatives of the ICRC and the Federation. A principal function is to prepare for the International Conference and the Council of Delegates. There have been 10 chairmen of the commission since Pierre Nolf, a Belgian, in 1928-34. Great names in their ranks have included Sweden's Count Folke Bernadotte (1946-48) and Britain's Countess of Limerick (1965-73). The current chairman is Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, re-elected for a second term during the 27th International Conference.

A timeline of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Franco-Sardinian and Austrian troops clash in Battle of Solferino, near northern Italian town of Castiglione della Pieve. Swiss businessman Henry Dunant, horrified 1859 by the slaughter, helps to care for the wounded of both sides. This battle leads, ultimately, to formation of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. International Committee formed for relief of military wounded (members Henry Dunant, Gustave Moynier, Louis Appia, Theodore Maunoir and Guillaume-Henri 1863 Dufour) . In 1876, committee becomes International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). International Geneva Conference. Adoption of the Red Cross on white background (reverse of Swiss flag) as protective emblem and establishment of national committees for the relief of military wounded. 1864

Twelve states sign 10 articles forming the 1st Geneva Convention -- protection of international law both to wounded enemy soldiers and those caring for them.

First International Conference of the Red Cross, attended by nine governments, 16 National Committees and the International Committee. Subsequent conferences to 1867 turn of century held in Berlin (1869), Geneva (1884), Karlsruhe (1887), Rome (1892) and Vienna (1897). Hague Conventions 1899

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Laws and customs of war on land (Convention No. II)

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Adaptation to maritime warfare of the principles of the 1864 Geneva Convention (Convention No. III)

Last Updated: 31 October 1999

The Geneva Conventions

To mark the anniversary, the Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) launched a People on War project, seeking to involve ordinary people with experience of war and all those with an interest in humanitarian law, such as military and legal authorities, community leaders, academics, journalists, aid workers and staff of international organisations. The campaign also attempts to make the general public more aware of the existing rules and their importance in warfare.

Material from the Archives To access the archives of the International Comitee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, please go to the respective sites: - ICRC http://www.icrc.org. The Archives of the ICRC (up until 1950) can be directly contacted by E-Mail: [email protected] - Federation http://www.ifrc.org We also recommend the UNESCO site, which presents access rules to the ICRC Archives, the Federation archives, and to the archives of 80 other international organizations. All documents are currently available as hard copies only, and to some extent on the web. Several National Societies do have archive departments. We invite you to visit their respective web sites through the ICRC or International Federation websites.

Current issue: Edition 3-2008