J. Henri Dunant

(May 8, 1828-October 30, 1910)

Founder of the Red Cross Movement.

For his efforts, Henri Dunant was awarded the very first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

A Swiss businessman, Henri Dunant, witnessed the aftermath of a bloody battle in 1859 between French and Austrian armies near the northern Italian town of Solferino. With thousands of wounded and dying men left on the battlefield without medical care, Dunant enlisted nearby residents to render what relief they could. Deeply moved by this experience, Dunant wrote a book, A Memory of Solferino, that described what he had witnessed and called for the establishment of civilian volunteer relief corps to care for the wounded in battle.

News: A new symbol has been adopted by the ICRC - the Red Crystal.  This new symbol joins the Red Cross and the Red Crescent to represent national societies as they go about the humanitarian mission of the world-wide movement.  This additional symbol can be used by any society member when the use of their own (cross, crescent or the Star of David) might be misunderstood or be a barrier to service.  ...more

For more on the story of Henry Dunant and the early Red Cross Movement, visit the Red Cross online museum.  more...

The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement are a cornerstone of every Red Cross/Red Crescent Society as well as a touch-stone for the world-wide humanitarian conversation.  more...

The High Point-Thomasville Chapter can present a training course on International Humanitarian Law for your group or organization.  Contact the chapter for more information at 885-9121.

In 1863, the Geneva Society for Public Welfare took up his cause and created a committee of five, including Dunant, which became known as the International Committee of the Red Cross.  In 1864, this committee brought together the representatives of 16 European states who adopted the first Geneva Convention, a treaty designed to save lives and alleviate the suffering of wounded and sick military personnel. The conference also formally established the red cross on a white field (the reverse of the Swiss flag) as the protective emblem for those serving the wounded.  The ICRC is made up of a committee of Swiss citizens.  Its role is to respond within a conflict area.  The International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) responds to the needs of refugees fleeing a conflict area and disasters of international scope. 

The High Point-Thomasville Chapter, International Services Committee, provides for international tracings; assisting other societies in locating loved ones separated by conflict of disaster.  The committee also supports diversity planning, volunteerism representative of all communities, and cultural awareness in and out of the Red Cross.