Biography of the Italian Red Cross

Rescue volunteers in peace and war

15 June 1864
The Italian Red Cross (C.R.I.) was born on 15 June 1864 in Milan, when he was declared constituted the "milanese Committee of the Italian Association for the rescue of the wounded and sick of war", anticipating what on 22 August of the same year would take place during the International Conference in Geneva. On that occasion, in fact, the Swiss Henry Dunant convinced participating States to proclaim the neutrality of the sick and wounded in war, supporting the Foundation of relief society that battlefields acted under the banner of a red cross on a white field. But the idea of Dunant not arose out of nowhere, was the result, the maturation of a personal experience.
Having taken part in the battle of Solferino in 1859, the Swiss doctor was deeply impressed by women who, without taking any account of uniforms or flags, you were engaged to bandage and with medicare wounded soldiers. From here, the inspiration of the great philanthropist to extend this concept to an entire organization. Since then, the Red Cross (which by 1872 resides in Rome), has come a long way, becoming present in first line wherever there is need, thanks to a strong network of skilled volunteer. The principles enshrined in the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the latter is the arm of the organization that operates in Arab countries) are:-humanity: mutual understanding and cooperation among peoples; -Neutrality: the confidence of all, the movement abstains from taking part in hostilities in wartime, that disputes of any kind in peacetime; -Impartiality: the movement makes no distinction as to race, nationality, religion, social class or political affiliation; -Independence: Although should respect the laws in force in the countries where it operates, the movement must preserve the autonomy of its principles; -Volunteering: the Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement and disinterested; -Drive: in one country there must be only one company (so named the different movements) to the Red Cross or Red Crescent societies; -Universality: the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement is universal. In it all societies have equal rights and the duty to help each other.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.