Introduction

The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster
relief, and education to individuals and communities affected by conflict, disaster, or health
crises.It missions is to protect human life and health, prevent and alleviate human suffering,
Promote respect for human dignity, and provide humanitarian assistance.Their principles
include humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and
universality.The Red Cross provides various services, including, disaster response and recovery,
blood donations, First Aid and emergency medical services, refugee support, International
Services (tracing missing persons, etc.), health and safety education, and humanitarian Law
promotion.The Red Cross structure consists of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and National Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies (192 countries).The Red Cross emblem is a red cross on a white
background, protected under international humanitarian law.

Brief History of the Red Cross

The Red Cross has a rich and fascinating history spanning over 150 years. Henry Dunant, a Swiss
businessman, witnesses the suffering of soldiers during the Battle of Solferino (1859).Dunant
publishes "A Memory of Solferino" (1859), advocating for humanitarian aid in war zones.
Dunant meets with Gustave Moynier, a Swiss lawyer, and together they establish the
International Committee for the Relief of the Wounded (1863).The first International
Conference of the Red Cross is held in Geneva (1864).

The Red Cross was founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, after witnessing the
suffering of soldiers during the Battle of Solferino. Henry Dunant's experience during the Battle
of Solferino (1859) was a pivotal moment in the founding of the Red Cross.The Battle of
Solferino was fought between Austrian and Franco-Sardinian forces in northern Italy. It was one
of the bloodiest battles of the 19th century.Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, witnessed the
aftermath of the battle while traveling to Italy. He saw thousands of wounded soldiers left on
the battlefield without aid, inadequate medical care and sanitation, and civilians, including
women and children, affected by the conflict.
Dunant was deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed. He realized the need for neutral
humanitarian aid in conflict zones, protection of civilians and wounded soldiers, improved
medical care and sanitation.Dunant wrote "A Memory of Solferino," in 1859 a book detailing his
experiences. He advocated for, International agreements to protect civilians and wounded
soldiers, establishment of national relief societies, neutral humanitarian aid in conflict
zones.Dunant's work laid the foundation for, the Geneva Convention (1864), to the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), national Red Cross societies worldwide.Henry
Dunant received the first Nobel Peace Prize (1901) for his humanitarian work.

In 1863 Gustave Moynier, a Swiss lawyer and president of the Geneva Society for Public
Welfare, met Henry Dunant to discuss,Dunant's ideas for humanitarian reform and how to
implement the principles outlined in "A Memory of Solferino".Moynier became convinced of
Dunant's vision.They co-founded the International Committee for the Relief of the Wounded
(ICRW).Moynier helped Dunant refine his ideas and draft the Geneva Convention.

Gustave Moynier's contributions, brought legal expertise to the ICRW that helped to establish
the ICRC's neutrality and impartiality. He played a key role in drafting the Geneva Convention
and in the International Committee for the Relief of the Wounded (ICRW) that was established
on February 17, 1863. The initial members were Dunant, Moynier, and four others. It was
renamed International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1875.

The First International Conference of the Red Cross was held on October 26-29,1864 in Geneva,
Switzerland.The objectives of the conference were to discuss Dunant's ideas for humanitarian
reform, establish international guidelines for humanitarian aid, create a permanent
international committee.Representatives from 16 countries including Military officials,
diplomats, and humanitarians attended the conference .The outcomes of the conference led to
the adoption of the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded
in Armies in the Field, established the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and set
principles for humanitarian aid in conflict zones.The key resolutions reach in the conference
were, the protection of wounded soldiers and medical personnel, neutral status for
humanitarian aid organizations, respect for the red cross emblem. The conference marked the
beginning of modern humanitarian law and led to the establishment the ICRC as a leading
humanitarian organization. It also inspired national Red Cross societies worldwide.The original
country that sign at the conference to obey the principles of the Red Cross are Baden,
Belgium,Denmark,France,Hesse,Italy,Netherlands,Portugal,Prussia,Switzerland,Spain, Sweden-
Norway, United Kingdom, and Württemberg.

The National Red Cross societies played a crucial role in expanding humanitarian work
globally.The National Red Cross Societies (1864-1914) was the First National Society and the
British Red Cross Society (1870). It was an independent organizations, affiliated with ICRC and it
provided humanitarian aid in times of war and peace.It also focused on disaster relief,
healthcare, and blood donation. By 1880, about 20 national societies established and by 1900
about 40 national societies in Britain . By 1914 it was over 60 national societies, other notable
National Societies are the American Red Cross (1881), German Red Cross (1864), French Red
Cross (1864),Japanese Red Cross (1877) and the Australian Red Cross (1914).It also helps to
expanded services to include blood donation (1941), and introduced first aid and disaster
response training. They established national headquarters in Washington, D.C..Clara Barton's
served as President (1881-1904), and advocated for American Red Cross participation in
international humanitarian efforts. It also helps to expanded services to include blood donation
(1941), and introduced first aid and disaster response training. They established national
headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) plays a crucial role
in global humanitarian efforts. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRC) was founded in (1919).The purpose was to coordinate international humanitarian aid,
support national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, and promote humanitarian law and
principles. It Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and with Governing Board with
representatives from national societies and a Secretariat implements decisions.It key functions
are disaster response and recovery, Health and safety education, Blood donation and medical
services and Refugee support.In 1920, it held it First IFRC conference, and in 1959, adopted
current name. In 1963, they established disaster Relief Emergency Fund.The association has a
membership 192 national societies, and over 17 million volunteers.

The Achievements of Red Cross Around The World

The Red Cross played a vital role during World War I. Red Cross During World War I (1914-1918)
provided medical aid and care, distributed food, clothing, and shelter, and traced missing
persons and prisoners of war.They provided medical services, treated wounded soldiers,
supplies relief materials, distributed essential goods. They also provided prisoner of War
Services, traced and aided POWs.ICRC's visited POW camps monitored treatment of wounded,
and facilitated communication between families. The American Red Cross, provided $400
million in aid, British Red Cross, sent 90,000 volunteers to France, German Red Cross cared for
wounded soldiers.The Red Cross saved countless lives, demonstrated neutrality and
impartiality, strengthened international humanitarian law.

During WWI, the Red Cross opened the International Prisoners of War Agency, restoring
contact between captured soldiers and their families. They also innovated by increasing visits to
prisoners of war and advocating against the use of mustard gas . In the 1920s and 1930s, the
Red Cross expanded its work beyond Europe, assisting in Ethiopia, South America, and the Far
East. The League of Red Cross Societies played a significant role in promoting humanitarian
cooperation. They coordinated aid during Russian famine (1921-1922), supported Greek
refugees after the Greco-Turkish War, and they developed international first aid standards.

The Russian famine of 1921-1922 was a devastating humanitarian crisis.About 30 million

people affected and almost 5 million deaths, and a widespread starvation.Red Cross engage
International relief effort, they provided Food, medicine, and shelter distribution. They also
distributed Medical care.The ICRC's coordinated international aid, sent delegates to assess
needs, and negotiated with Soviet authorities. American Relief Administration (ARA), led by
Herbert Hoover, and provided $20 million in aid. They fed 10 million people daily.They saved
millions of lives, and demonstrated international cooperation.The Red Cross protected of
wounded, sick, and shipwrecked soldiers. They ensure humane treatment of prisoners of war,
and prohibited the use of torture, cruelty, and reprisals.They helped to introduce the First
explicit ban on torture, and established prisoner of war status. They clarified medical personnel
protections.

The Red Cross played a vital role during World War II.Red Cross During World War II (1939-
1945) they provided medical aid and care, distributed food, clothing, and shelter, and traced
missing persons and prisoners of war.ICRC's visited POW camps, ensuring humane treatment,
monitored civilian internment camps, and facilitated communication between families.
American Red Cross, sent 100,000 packages daily, British Red Cross, provided aid to evacuated
children and German Red Cross, cared for wounded soldiers. They distributed 300 million
packages, treated wounded soldiers, and traced 40 million POWs(Prisoner of war).The ICRC
reported on Nazi atrocities (1933), visited to concentration camps, they were given limited
access, but documented conditions and provided food, clothing, and medicine POWs.In WWII,
the Red Cross shipped relief supplies globally, reaching prisoners of war and civilians. After the
war, they dealt with requests for news about missing loved ones. Since 1945, the Red Cross has
urged governments to strengthen international humanitarian law.

The Holocaust, one of humanity's darkest periods, saw the Red Cross confront unimaginable
atrocities. Holocaust (1939-1945) was a systematic persecution and extermination of six million
Jews, millions of Romani, disabled, LGBTQ+, and others targeted. The Nazi regime's carryout an
unprecedented brutality against these people.ICRC reported on Nazi atrocities (1933) to the
League of Nations, they visits to concentration camps, they given limited access, but
documented conditions. They also aid to prisoners, provided food, clothing, and
medicine.During the post-War efforts, the Red Cross helped reunite families, testify against Nazi
officials, and advocated for international humanitarian law.

The Red Cross strengthen protections for victims of war and established clear rules for armed
conflicts. They protected civilians, wounded, and prisoners of war, prohibited the use of
torture, cruelty, and reprisals. They protected wounded, sick, and shipwrecked soldiers, ensure
humane treatment of prisoners of war. They also protected civilians, including women and
children. They try to ensure prohibition of torture, genocide, and forced labor.The Rwandan
Genocide (1994) was a devastating humanitarian crisis.About 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu
killed and 2. 2 million displaced. There were widespread rape, torture, and destruction. The Red
Cross provided emergency aid, vacuated wounded and vulnerable, and advocated for
international action.

The Red Cross has been a beacon of hope and humanitarian aid since its founding in 1863. The
Red Cross also engage in disaster Relief. They responded to natural disasters and conflicts,
providing shelter, food, and emotional support. They also do Blood donations, supplying over
40% of the US blood products through their nationwide civilian blood program. They also
offered courses in first aid, CPR, and water safety, and they also assisted migrants, refugees,
and those affected by global conflicts. The Red Cross supported military personnel, veterans,
and their families. In th 2004 in the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Red Cross delivered relief
supplies, shelter, and emotional support. In the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, the Red Cross supplied
medical care, shelter, and food. During the syrian Civil War, they Delivered aid, medical care,
and shelter.

They helped repatriate millions of refugees. They provided rescue, shelter, and resettlement.
Vietnamese Boat People (1970s-80s). They assisted refugees and displaced persons Balkan
Conflicts (1990s). Currently they are supporting migrants and refugees globally.They established
first blood bank (1941) which they collects and distributes over 40% of US blood products. They
also promotes global blood safety and availability.They have also developed early warning
systems for disasters and conducts disaster risk reduction programs. They rovides emergency
shelter, food, and emotional support.

The Red Cross also offers first aid, CPR, and water safety courses. They trains community health
workers and promotes disease prevention and health education. They also advocates for
respect of humanitarian law and provides legal expertise to governments.They supports
development of international humanitarian law.They have reunites families separated by
conflict or disaster and provides tracing services for missing persons. They supports family
reunification programs and empowers youth through volunteer opportunities. They promotes
humanitarian values and education and supports youth-led community projects.
In Afghanistan conflict Red Cross provided humanitarian aid, medical care, and shelter.Also in
Iraq conflict they supported displaced persons, provided medical care and relief.In Libya conflict
they Delivered aid, medical care, and shelter during conflict.In Yemen conflict they provided
aid, medical care, and shelter amidst ongoing conflict.

In Hurricane Katrina (2005), Red Cross supplied shelter, food, and emotional support.In the
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011) they provided relief, shelter, and medical care.Also
during the Typhoon Haiyan (2013) Red Cross delivered aid, shelter, and medical care. In the
Nepal Earthquake (2015) they supplied relief, shelter, and medical care.They promote Health
Initiatives such as Measles vaccination campaigns, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, Malaria
prevention and treatment, and Water and sanitation programs.In the 2018 Indonesia Tsunami
they provided relief, shelter, and medical care.

In 2020 Australian Bushfires,they Supported evacuation efforts and provided shelter.In 2020
COVID-19 Pandemic they provided Global response, including medical care, testing, and
vaccination efforts.In the 2022 Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis, they provided aid, shelter, and
medical care.In the Rohingya Refugee Crisis,they provided aid, shelter, and medical care.In the
South Sudan Refugee Crisis, they supported refugees in Uganda and Ethiopia.In the Venezuelan
Migration Crisis, they provided humanitarian aid and support.In the Refugee Resettlement
Programs, they helped resettle refugees in the US and Europe.In the Ebola Response (2014-
2016), they provided medical care and support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Red Cross has contributed greatly to humanity and protection of humankind
during wars and conflicts through the world. They have helped in the fight against humanitarian
Criss, such as health issues, poverty, refugees Crisses, gender inequality and many others issues
that is affecting the globe. Red Cross are a bacon of hope in the society and the last defender
against great down of the world order.
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American Red Cross. (2022). Annual Report 2021.

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Amino Publishers.1998

H. F. Hutchinson, "Champions of Charity: War and the Rise of the Red Cross",London, Oxford
University Press 1996

ICRC. (2020). The Roots of Restraint in War.

IFRC. (2020). World Disasters Report 2020.

UNHCR. (2020). Global Trends: Forced Displacement in 2020.

"The Red Cross" (BBC Documentary, 2014)

"The Humanitarian" (ICRC Documentary, 2018)

"In Humanity's Name" (IFRC Documentary, 2019)