TLDR;
This video explains the history of the International Red Cross, starting with Henry Dunant's experience at the Battle of Solferino. It covers the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Geneva Conventions, and the establishment of national associations, as well as the symbols used by the movement.
- Henry Dunant's experience in the Battle of Solferino led to the idea of forming a volunteer group.
- The Geneva Conventions addressed the treatment of soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians during wartime.
- National associations are independent entities that operate within each country using the movement's symbols.
Introduction [0:00]
The video introduces the topic of the International Red Cross and aims to explain its history. It starts by mentioning Henry Dunant, who is known as the Father of the International Red Cross.
The Battle of Solferino and Henry Dunant's Inspiration [0:24]
In June 1859, Henry Dunant witnessed the Battle of Solferino between French and Austrian troops, which resulted in over 40,000 deaths. Moved by the suffering, Dunant helped the war victims, turning a church into an emergency hospital. He and local women provided aid without discrimination, leading to the motto "Tutti Fratelli" (we are all brothers).
The Book and the Formation of the ICRC [1:33]
After Solferino, Henry Dunant wrote a book titled "A Memory of Solferino," which proposed forming a volunteer group and establishing an international agreement. This book led to the creation of a committee of five, including Dunant, Dr. Theodor Maunier, Dr. Wisap, Gustav Monir, and Jane Henry Default. This committee later became the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The Geneva Conventions [2:23]
Following the establishment of the ICRC, conferences were held that led to the Geneva Conventions. The Geneva Conventions were held four times. The first Geneva Convention focused on improving conditions for sick soldiers on land. The second Geneva Convention addressed the conditions of sick, injured, and shipwrecked soldiers at sea. The third Geneva Convention discussed the treatment of prisoners of war. The fourth Geneva Convention concerned the protection of civilians during wartime.
National Associations and Movement Symbols [3:12]
After the conferences, national associations were formed in each country. These associations are independent, with only one allowed per country. They must use the name and symbol of the movement, which serves as a protector in times of war and as an identifier. The movement includes symbols such as the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and the Red Crystal.