First Geneva Convention
Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), Geneva, Switzerland
What happened
Representatives of 12 states, brought together by the Swiss government after a campaign by Henry Dunant and Gustave Moynier, founders of the Red Cross. In 1859 Henry Dunant saw thousands of wounded soldiers left without care after the Battle of Solferino, and he organised local people to help soldiers from both sides. He wrote a book, 'A Memory of Solferino', calling for neutral helpers in wartime. In 1864 twelve countries signed a treaty promising to protect wounded soldiers and those who care for them.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a turning point in how wars are fought: for the first time, countries agreed in writing that wounded soldiers must be cared for, whatever side they are on. It made the red cross a protected symbol for medical help.
What came next
The convention was revised in 1906, 1929 and 1949, and the 1949 version is still in force. In 1901 Henry Dunant received the first Nobel Peace Prize.
Did you know?
The original 1864 treaty is kept in the Swiss Federal Archives in Bern, and it had just ten articles.
Timeline
- 1859Henry Dunant helps the wounded after the Battle of Solferino.
- 1862Dunant publishes 'A Memory of Solferino'.
- 1863The committee that becomes the Red Cross is formed.
- 22 August 1864Twelve states sign the First Geneva Convention.
- 1901Dunant receives the first Nobel Peace Prize.