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I/ HISTORY:
On 24th June 1859 in Solferino, a small town located in the
northern Italy, a fierce battle happened in a few hours between the coalition of
Franco-Sardinian and Italia against the colonized Austrian troop. 40,000 dead &
injured in the battle. Military medical services of both sizes were not enough capacities
to solve & treat for so many wounded at the same time.
This scene made a Swiss businessman, named Jean
Henry Dunant, with consternation
who was unintentional observed the battle. After that, he called the people at locality
to assist the wounded nevertheless which size they were.
Returned to Switzerland, Mr. Henry Dunant never forgot the horrible scenes.
He wrote a book entitled "A Memory of Solferino" told everything he had seen.
The book was completed in 1862 and in which he gave 02 ideals:
a) Establish in each nation a relief & rescue society with the participation
of volunteers, well-known politicians in order to help & care for the wounded
whenever conflicts happen.
b) Mobilize an international agreement to protect wounded soldiers in
the field and protect any person who take care of them.
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Mr. Henry Dunant - the creator of the Red Cross Movement
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Henry Dunant had published the book by his own pocket and sent to kings
or emperors in Europe, to politicians, army officers, charity people and friends.
It was welcomed and highly appreciated by European people, who had no idea about
the horrible things may happen in wars, as such they were shocked while reading
the book on Solferino memory.
Mr. Gustave Moynier, a lawyer and the President of Geneva Public Relief
Association, was moved by the book entitled "A Memory of Solferino". Soon
after that, he suggested Mr. Dunant to raise a meeting between the Association in
order to discuss on Mr. Dunant’s proposal. At the meeting, the Committee of 05 members
was established, they were: Dunant and Moynier, General Guillaume Henri Dufour, Dr. Louis
Appia and Dr. Theodore Maunoir, and all were Swiss citizens. The first
meeting of the Committee was held on 17 February 1863 and agree the set up "The International
Committee of the wounded relief".
After that, "The Committee of five" organized an international conference
in October 1863 in Geneva with the participation of representatives coming from
16 nations. The Conference approved the emblem - red cross in white ground - as
a symbol to recognize and protect wounded soldiers in the field.
In 1875, "The International Committee of the wounded relief" renamed
as the International Committee of Red Cross – is at the origin of the International
Red Cross Movement. To memorize the merit of the movement creator, Mr. Dunant’s
date of birth - May 8th is used as the World Red Cross Red Crescent Day.
II/ COMPONENTS - MISSION:
The Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement consists three components:
+ International Committee of the Red Cross: founded in
1863, the creator of the international Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement. Besides
the responsibilities to protect and assist war victims, the Committee is also act
as the mobilization & guardian agency on the International Humanitarian Law
and fundamental principles. The Committee is in cooperation with the International
Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies to organize conferences, meetings
according to the Movement’s regulations.
Main activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross can be
referred to the website:
http://www.icrc.org
+ International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies:
founded in 1919, carry out its activities according to the foundational principles
of the movements, make favor conditions and encourage National Societies to improve
the living situations of the most difficulties people. The Federation act as guider
and collaborator in the international relief for victims of natural disasters, industrial
disasters, refugees and medical emergencies. The Federation is the representative
of National Societies in the international community, to encourage the cooperation
and partnerships between National Societies, to build capacities of National Societies
and implement disasters preparedness, healthcare and social welfares.
Main activities of the International Federation of Red Cross & Red
Crescent Societies can be referred to the website:
http://www.ifrc.org
+ National Societies: carry out activities according to
the contents & principles of the Movement. National Societies is an auxiliary
of their Government to assist in the humanitarian activities, especially in disasters
preparedness, healthcare and social welfare. During conflicts time, National Societies
assist people and may be support to the military medical units. Up to 2003, there
are 181 National Societies as members of the Movement.
On 5 June 1957, President Hochiminh, representing Vietnam government,
sent an official letter to Swiss federal government to ratify 4 Geneva Conventions
on war victims protection, giving chance for Red Cross society of Vietnam to be
member of RCRC movement, thus widening its scope of activities.
The Red Cross society of Vietnam was officially recognized as member
of RCRC Movement at the General Assembly of IFRC held in New Dehli (India) on 4
November 1957.
VNRC is fully responsible for proper implementation of both humanitarian
works and Statutes and Resolutions of the International RCRC Movement.
Main activities of the National Societies
can be referred to the website:
http://www.redcross.int
III/ FUNDAMENTAL
PRINCIPLES:
Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring
assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors,
in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering
wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure
respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation
and lasting peace amongst all peoples.
Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or
political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being
guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides
in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious
or ideological nature.
Independence
The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while
auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the
laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that
they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
Voluntary service
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society
in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work
throughout its territory.
Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all
Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping
each other, is worldwide.
FOUR NOBEL PEACE PRIZES
Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who died in 1896, provided in his
will for a fund, the interest of which would be used every year to "reward persons
whose activities were of the greatest benefit to humanity".
In 1901, the first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to
Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, whose life was devoted
mainly to humanitarian cause. Living in poverty in a poorhouse at Heiden (Canton
of Appenzell, Switzerland) in 1901, Dunant bequeathed the prize money to charitable
causes.
The
International Committee of the Red Cross, subsequently, was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1917 and
1944, as tributes to its humanitarian activities during the
two World Wars.
In 1963, the ICRC and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies won the prize
on the occasion of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement's 100th
anniversary.
Letters from other Nobel Prize laureates supporting ICRC's campaign to
build up public opinion for a total ban on anti-personnel landmines can be found
on the
ICRC web site
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