From Solferino to the Red Cross
2009 has been an extremely important year for the Red Cross. From June 23-28 thousands of people from all over the world gathered in northern Italy to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Solferino, which led to the creation of the Red Cross.
On May 5 the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement also celebrated its 90th anniversary and on August 12, events took place to highlight the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
swissinfo.ch took a closer look at the world's largest humanitarian network, providing background reports, interviews and analysis.
News
Geneva Conventions need updating, says ICRC
The Geneva Conventions remain highly relevant but it is vital to update certain aspects of humanitarian law, says the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
On mission with the ICRC in Geneva
How do you train someone to negotiate a military checkpoint, assist thousands of conflict victims, teach the rules of war to rebels and handle the media?
Following in the footsteps of Henry Dunant
Some 13,000 people have taken part in a spectacular torch-lit procession in Solferino in northern Italy to commemorate the birth of the idea of the Red Cross.
Red Cross youth look to future in Solferino
Thousands of young Red Cross volunteers from around the globe are meeting in Solferino in northern Italy to discuss how they can make a difference.
Background
Solferino: the bloody birth of a nation
On June 24, 1859 the armies of France and Piedmont-Sardinia defeated Austrian forces at Solferino in northern Italy in a decisive bloody battle for Italian unity.
Who was the father of the Red Cross?
Henry Dunant is often described as a saintly humanitarian idealist who founded the Red Cross, yet the story of his life is little known and full of contrasts.
Geneva Conventions ushered in respect for rules
The International Committee of the Red Cross founders were instrumental in promoting humanitarian law, an expert says on the anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.
Red Cross ideals still under fire
The Swiss Red Cross faces many challenges according to its president, René Rhinow, not least on the international front.
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