How did the Red Cross Originate as a Neutral Symbol of Mercy and What are Its Distinguishing Marks?
There is more than a century of tradition behind the Red Cross emblem as a symbol of humanitarian protection. The idea developed from an international meeting in Switzerland in 1863 on improving care of the wounded on battlefields. One of the recommendations called for volunteer medical personnel of all countries to wear an easily recognized sign: a white armlet with a red cross, sometimes referred to as the “”Geneva cross.” An international treaty know as the Geneva Conventions was signed on August 22, 1864, by the representatives of 12 countries. It established the fundamental principle that “wounded or sick combatants, to whatever nation they may belong, shall be collected and cared for.” It adopted the Red Cross emblem as the international symbol to identify personnel, material, and facilities used to care for the sick and wounded in times of armed conflict. By the terms of the treaty, persons and facilities bearing the symbol are protected from attack. Over the years the protectio
