History of the Red Cross
Channel: British Red Cross
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement started over 135 years ago, inspired by a Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant. He had been appalled at the suffering of thousands of men, on both sides, who were left to die due to lack of care after the Battle of Solferino in 1859.
He proposed the creation of national relief societies, comprised of volunteers, trained in peacetime to provide neutral and impartial help to relieve the suffering in times of war.
In response to these ideas a committee, which later became the International Committee of the Red Cross, was established in Geneva. The founding charter of the Red Cross was drawn up in 1863.
Based on a true story, Henri Dunant - Red on the Cross details the tumultuous 18 months that preceded the creation of this renowned humanitarian organisation. In French with English subtitles. Also includes a selection of short films about the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
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