Henry Dunant

Founded the International Red Cross and inspired modern humanitarian law

Geneva-born Henry Dunant (1828–1910) reshaped global humanitarian response through his groundbreaking work. Witnessing the Battle of Solferino (1859) inspired his book Un Souvenir de Solferino, proposing neutral medical aid societies.

His achievements include:

• Co-founding the International Committee of the Red Cross (1863)
• Initiating the first Geneva Convention (1864)
• Establishing principles of impartial humanitarian aid

Despite personal bankruptcy and temporary obscurity, Dunant's vision created:

• Standardized war casualty treatment protocols
• Legal protection for medical personnel
• Inspiration for subsequent humanitarian organizations

Recognized with the first Nobel Peace Prize (1901), his legacy continues through 191 National Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies assisting 160+ million annually. Modern disaster response frameworks directly descend from his Solferino proposals.