Founder of Red Cross

The visionary who started the world's largest humanitarian movement

Henry Dunant

Founder of the International Red Cross Movement

Born: May 8, 1828, Geneva, Switzerland
Died: October 30, 1910, Heiden, Switzerland

Henry Dunant was a Swiss humanitarian, businessman, and social activist who founded the Red Cross and was the co-recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. His vision of neutral humanitarian aid during wartime revolutionized how the world responds to human suffering.

The Birth of Red Cross

How one man's compassion changed the world

The Battle of Solferino - June 24, 1859

Henry Dunant was traveling through northern Italy on business when he witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino. He saw approximately 40,000 wounded, dying, and dead soldiers left on the battlefield with little or no medical care.

Deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed, Dunant organized local villagers to provide aid to the wounded soldiers, regardless of which side they had fought for. This experience would change his life and the course of humanitarian history.

A Memory of Solferino

In 1862, Dunant published "A Memory of Solferino," a book describing the horrors he had witnessed and proposing the creation of national relief societies to provide neutral humanitarian care during wartime. This book became the foundation for the Red Cross movement.

Key Achievements

1862

Published "A Memory of Solferino"

His influential book that proposed the creation of neutral humanitarian organizations.

1863

Founded the International Committee of the Red Cross

Established the organization that would become the world's largest humanitarian network.

1864

Geneva Convention

Instrumental in the adoption of the first Geneva Convention for the protection of wounded soldiers.

1901

Nobel Peace Prize

Became the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work.

His Lasting Legacy

Global Movement

Today, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement operates in 192 countries with over 100 million volunteers.

International Law

His work led to the development of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.

Humanitarian Principles

Established the fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality in humanitarian aid.

Recognition

The Henry Dunant Medal is the highest decoration of the Red Cross Movement.

"I am neither a soldier, nor a doctor, nor a nurse. I am simply a man who has seen suffering and who wishes to help relieve it."
- Henry Dunant