THE RED CROSS RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT
JEAN HENRI DUNANT 
The Battle of Solferino
The idea of Red Cross was born on 24 June 1859, in the heart of a Swiss businessman Jean Henri Dunant, when a war broke out in the northernmost part of Italy in the vast plain of Lombardy. It was considered by most historians as the bloodiest battle of the century. In the Italian history, it was known as the Austro-Italian War of 1859. In the Red Cross, it is commonly known as the Battle of Solferino.
The war was declared by the Kingdom of Austria due to the aggression of Emperor Napoleon III of the French Empire. Participated in by approximately 350,000 soldiers from the warring parties, the battle lasted for sixteen hours.
The Battle of Solferino was a decisive victory for the French and the Sardinians but the cost had been enormous. Forty thousand men lay wounded or dead on the battlefield. These were loaded on long trains of ox and mule carts. Soldiers were dumping bodies into pits piled on top of each other. Thousands of wounded lay completely unattended, some were either brought to nearby churches, public buildings or private homes. Only two army doctors were present and they hardly knew where to start for everywhere were the patients.
This situation was witnessed by Henry Dunant who was looking for Napoleon III to seek permit for his business to be put up in Algeria, that time a part of the French empire. His trip turned into a humanitarian one due to the horrible situation. Immediately, he gathered the people of the nearby village of Castiglione to assist him alleviate the sufferings of the victims.
Streams of people came to the rescue of the wounded without identifying from which side they belong. The word of wisdom was “Siamo Tutti Fratelli” (We are all brothers). The women served as nurses, washing and binding the wounds of the soldiers while others fed those able to sit up and spoon-fed the seriously wounded. Even the wounded enemies were served.
Dunant and company worked virtually around the clock. The task seemed endless, heartbreaking, and frustrating for despite all the efforts, many of the wounded died. When the hospital he improvised was already functioning and felt that his task was done, Dunant went back to his hometown in Geneva.
A Memory Of Solferino, A Book That Changed The World
Dunant had completely forgotten his business mission which brought him to Castiglione. He wrote a book entitled “Un Souvenir de Solferino” or”A Memory of Solferino”, a novel which clearly described the horrible war he witnessed. Published in November 1862, it stirred the soul of entire Europe. The concept of a Red Cross Movement began. The book proposes two ideas:
**To establish in each country a Relief Society composed of volunteers, distinguished and reputable persons who will take care of the wounded in times of war; and,
**To promote an agreement, international in character, protecting the wounded soldiers in the battlefield and those who care for them.
The publication of the book stirred the whole of Europe. Dunant himself travelled all over the continent to obtain support for his idea and to organize the Red Cross Movement.
Committee of Five
With the convincing phrases of Dunant, he got the support of four (4) more citizens of Geneva in his favor (Atty. Gustave Moynier, General Guillame Henri Dufour, Dr. Louis Appia, and Dr. Theodore Maunoir). The organization was named “International Committee for the Relief of Military Wounded” later became “The Committee of Five” and now known as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
An unprecedented approval came to his attention coming from even kings, queens, princess, and heads of states stating their support to Dunant. The Swiss Confederation was not an exemption to this situation. The Committee of Five was finally busy doing their job to translate the idea into reality.
In the wake of praises, the Swiss Government expressed their willingness to sponsor an International Diplomatic Conference and also drafted the agreement that would finally substantiate the proposal stated in the book.
On the final set, the First Diplomatic Conference of August 08, 1864 was held in Geneva, Switzerland with 16 countries represented. On August 22, after a good deal of persuasion, 12 nations signed the ten articles which formed the First Geneva Convention.
COMPONENT OF RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT MOVEMENT
International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has its seat in Geneva, is the institution which launched the Red Cross Movement in conformity with the initial gesture of Henry Dunant in the battlefield of Solferino.
An independent humanitarian institution, the ICRC acts as a neutral intermediary in cases of armed conflicts on the basis of the Geneva Conventions to protect and assist the victims of international and/or civil wars, thereby contributing to peace in the world.
International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation
The Federation is the international association of the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies with its Secretariat in Geneva. Created after World War I, the Federation’s functions include:
**to contribute to the development of the humanitarian activities of the National Societies, particularly the improvement of health, the prevention of disease, and the mitigation of suffering;
** to coordinate relief operations for victims of natural disasters;
**to care for refugees outside areas of conflict;
** to promote peace in the world.
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
At present (2003), there are 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. They exist in state parties to the Geneva Conventions and are recognized by their legal governments as voluntary organizations. They act as auxiliaries of the public authorities in doing activities for the benefit of the general population.
These societies share the principles and ideals of the Red Cross but conduct programs and activities directed towards the particular humanitarian needs of their own countries. Many of the National Societies were initially concerned with victims of war. Now, their activities are, for the most part, in disaster relief, health, and welfare. While most of them are referred to as Red Cross Societies, those in some Muslim countries are referred to as Red Crescent Societies. No country can have more than one National Society.
International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The three (3) components of the Movement meet as a body every four (4) years, together with the governments that are signatory to the Geneva Conventions, to form the International Conference of the Red Cross - the supreme deliberative body of the Movement.
To attend to the business of the International Conference in between sessions, there is the Standing Commission of the International Red Cross. It prepares the International Conference and serves to settle any dispute which may arise between the International Committee and the International Federation.
The Standing Commission is composed of two representatives each from the Committee and the Federation and five (5) others elected in their personal capacities by the International Conference.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Emblem
The Movement has two recognized emblems: the Red Cross and the Red Crescent. The Red Cross is being used by the Christian countries while some Islamic countries use the Red Crescent. However, it must be made clear that these two emblems have no religious meanings whatsoever. They stand on equal footing, sharing equal rights and responsibilities. The emblem has two purposes: It is indicative in times of peace and protective in times of war.
Uses of the Emblem
Protective: use of the emblem as a protective device is the visible manifestation of the protection accorded by the Geneva Conventions to persons (army medical services, Red Cross volunteers, ICRC delegates) and to medical units and means of transport.
Indicative: use of the emblem as an indicative device shows that a person or object has a connection with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Consequences of Misuse:
- In times of armed conflict, misuse of the emblem as a protective symbol threatens the entire protective system endangering the lives of the people.
- Misuse of the emblem in times of war is a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
- In times of peace or armed conflicts, misuse of the emblem as identification, weakens its value in the eyes of the public and thus reduces its protective powers in wartime.
- Misuse of the emblem is a criminal offense under Philippine Law. The penalties in PD 1643 include:
· Fine of not less than P1,000.00, and/or
· Imprisonment of not more than one (1) year
Regulations on the use of the Red Cross Emblem
The sign of the Red Cross on a white background is essentially meant to protect, in times of conflict, persons, buildings, establishments, vehicles and materials belonging to the army medical service.
National Societies can freely use the Red Cross or Red Crescent emblem in time of peace in accordance with legislation. In time of war, they can continue to use the sign, but in accordance with conditions set out in Article 44 of the First Geneva Convention.
The “indicatory” sign will be formed by or inscribed with the national society’s name or initials; no drawing, emblem or inscription will be displayed on the cross. The national society decides under what conditions it may be used.
No person shall wear the Society’s emblem under any form whatsoever without being the holder of a relevant document, membership card, etc.
Active members, if they wear a Red Cross uniform, can display the emblem on the collar, chest, arm or on the headdress. In civilian clothes, they can wear the badge in the form of a button, brooch, pocket badge or tie with the inscription of the name of the society.
Civilian ambulances and first aid stations, hospitals and clinics belonging to the National Society may use the Red Cross emblem provided that they have been authorized by the military authorities in time of war and by the National Society in time of peace.
What the law says:
Section 15 of Presidential Decree 1643 (amending RA 95, as amended by RA 855 and RA 6373 and further amended by PD 1264) PNRC Charter states that: “the use of the name of the Red Cross is reserved exclusively to the PNRC and the use of the emblem of the red Greek cross on a white background is reserved exclusively to the PNRC and the medical services of the armed Forces of the Philippines as provided in Article 28 of the Geneva Conventions. It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to use the words Red Cross or Geneva Cross or to use the emblem of the red Greek cross on a white background or any designation, sign or insignia constituting an imitation thereof for any purpose whatsoever.
The Movement’s Fundamental Principles
Humanity. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded of the battlefield, endeavors - in its international and national capacity - to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever and whenever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace among its people.
We Serve People But Not Systems. Our task is to protect human life and health throughout the world to prevent, or at least alleviate, human suffering under all circumstances, to help contribute to peace.
Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religion, beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
We Care For The Victims, And For Agressor, Alike. We help people solely in accordance with their needs and we do not seek to determine guilt, we help regardless of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.
Neutrality. In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
We Take Initiatives, But Never Sides. Everyone must be able to turn to the Red Cross with unlimited and total trust. It must stand above partiality as a symbol of humanity and help. That is why we refrain from taking sides in any hostility or political, racist, religious, or ideological dispute.
Independence. The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in humanitarian service of their governments and subjects to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
We Bow To Need, But Not To Kings. The movement is independent. Even though National Societies are subject to their respective domestic legislation, they still retain their independence and place the humanitarian principles of the Movement above the regulation of any system.
Voluntary Service. The Movement is a voluntary relief organization not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
We Work Around The Clock, But Never for Personal Gain. We offer our help voluntarily wherever people are in need and where men and women of action are required.
Unity. There can only be one society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry one emblem in its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
We Have Many Talents, But Single Idea. Each country has but a single Red Cross or Red Crescent Society. It is open to all who wish to serve mankind, each person doing what he or she can do best.
Universality. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is a worldwide organization.
We Respect Nations, But Our Works Knows No Bounds. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a worldwide organization.
The Fundamental Principles were proclaimed by the 20th International Conference of the Red Cross, Vienna, 1965. This is the revised text contained in the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, adopted by the 25th International Conference of the Red Cross, Geneva, 1986.
The Henry Dunant Institute
As the research arm of the Movement, primary activities of the Henry Dunant Institute (HDI) are research, training, publication and consultancies. The Institute studies issues and problems affecting the Movement.
The International Humanitarian Law
The International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as well as the terms “Law of War” or “Law of Armed Conflicts” are commonly used in reference to all international rules, established by customs or by treaties, which regulate the conduct of international and non-international armed conflicts for humanitarian reasons, limit the right of parties to a conflict to use the methods and means of warfare of their choice in order to prevent and to alleviate unnecessary death, human suffering and destruction.
It is a fact that almost all existing states have taken solemn engagement regarding respect for International Humanitarian Law. IHL is mostly made up of two main groups of treaties: The Hague Conventions and the Geneva Conventions.
The Hague Conventions. The Hague Law establishes the rights and duties of soldiers in the conduct of operations and limits the choice of means to injure the enemy but also possesses a humanitarian character, though less specific. Its principal objective is to diminish the evils of war and violence, which is unnecessary for the purpose of war – to weaken or defeat the resistance of the enemy.
The Geneva Conventions. The Geneva Conventions lay down basic rules for the protection of all victims in armed conflicts. They decree that persons taking no direct part in hostilities, those whoa are unable to take part due to illness, wounds or captivity, shall be protected and that those who suffer shall be given relief and care without any discrimination as to race, nationality, political views or religious beliefs.
The emblem of a Red Cross or Red Crescent on a white background, symbol of aid to the wounded and sick, is used to identify buildings staff, vehicles and materials entitled to protection. It may not be otherwise used and must, at all times, be totally respected.
First Geneva Convention, 1864 - Protection of wounded/sick soldier, medical personnel, chaplains in the battlefield.
Second Geneva Convention, 1899 - Protection of wounded/sick soldier, medical personnel and chaplains of armed forces at sea, shipwrecked.
Third Geneva Convention, 1929 - Protection of the prisoners of war.
Fourth Geneva Convention, 1949 - Protection of civilians in enemy or occupied territory.
Additional Protocols. Two additional protocols, giving further protections in certain circumstances, in both international and non-international armed conflicts, were adopted on June 8, 1977, by diplomatic conference in Geneva.
Protocol I – On International Conflicts - Strengthens the protection of victims of international armed conflict.
Protocol II – On Non-International Conflicts - Strengthens the protection of victims of non-international armed conflict.
THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RED CROSS
History of Red Cross Movement in the Philippines
On 17 February 1899, the Malolos Republic approved the Constitution of the National Association of the Red Cross. It maintained emergency hospitals and clinics, collected food, clothing, and medical supplies for men in the hospitals and in the field.
Filipinos and American leaders in Manila gathered at the Marble Hall of the Ayuntamiento on 30 August 1905 and formally met and organized the Philippine Branch of the American Red Cross. The meeting was presided by William Howard Taft, the first Civil Governor of the Philippines. With him as adviser was Mabel T. Boardman.
The Philippine Branch was officially created as an insular chapter of the American Red Cross. It became known as the Philippine Chapter, American Red Cross in 1917.
The first attempt to establish an independent Philippine Red Cross was made at the initiative of Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon. However, this had to be postponed until the Philippines became Independent because the Commonwealth was not empowered to negotiate the signing of the Geneva Conventions.
The outbreak of the war disrupted plans for an independent Red Cross Society. During the war, the Philippine Red Cross took care of the internment camps in the University of Santo Tomas and in other part of the country.
On May 1942, the Japanese abolished the Philippine Chapter of the American Red Cross and created a Japanese controlled Philippine Red Cross.
Upon the liberation of Manila, the American Red Cross officials who came with General Mac Arthur’s forces undertook to reconstitute the organization with the help of Philippine Red Cross workers. A vast civilian war aid program was institutionalized in the islands.
In 1946, there were 36 Red Cross chapters which started all over the country. The first post - war financial campaign was held. American advisers gave way to Filipinos as directors of Red Cross services and in December of the same year, the first Filipino Manager was appointed.
On February 14, 1947 President Manuel Roxas signed the Treaty of Geneva and the Prisoners of War convention. These two international agreements were ratified by the Philippine Senate on February 18. On March 22, President Roxas signed the Philippine National Red Cross Charter ( Republic Act 95 ). On the same day, he signed the Act incorporating the Philippine National Red Cross. The organization applied to the International Committee of the Red Cross at Geneva for recognition as an independent Society. On March 29, Mrs. Aurora Aragon Quezon, as Chairman of the Central Executive Committee receive a cable from Geneva indicating that the International Committee of the Red Cross approved to recognize the Philippine National Red Cross.
On April 15, 1947, the Philippine National Red Cross was proclaimed amidst impressive independence ceremonies at the Malacañang Palace Grounds. On May 5, PNRC was formally recognized by the ICRC and on September 17, it was admitted to membership in the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Section 10 of Republic Act No. 95 (PNRC Charter) states that:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit, collect, or receive money, material, or property of any kind by falsely representing or pretending himself to be a member, agent, or representative of the PNRC; or for any person to wear or display the sign of the Red Cross or any insignia made or colored in imitation thereof for the fraudulent purpose of inducing the belief that he is a member or representative of or agent for the PNRC.”
The use of the name Red Cross is reserved exclusively to the PNRC and the use of the emblem of the Red Cross on a white background is reserved exclusively to the PNRC and the medical services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as provided in Article 28 of the Geneva Red Cross Convention.
It shall be unlawful of any person or entity to use the words Red Cross or Geneva Cross or to use the emblem of the Red Cross on a white background or any designation, sign or insignia constituting an imitation thereof for any purposes whatsoever.
As used in this article, the term person shall include any legal person, group, or legal entity of whatsoever nature, and any person violating any section of this article upon conviction therefore, shall be liable to a fine of not more than one thousand pesos or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both, at the discretion of the court, for each and every offense. In case the violation is committed by a corporation or association, the penalty shall devolve upon the President, director, or any other officer responsible for such violation.
Dates and Important events
February 17, 1899
The Malolos Republic approved the Constitution of the National Association of the Red Cross (Filipino Red Cross Society) as initiated by Apolinario Mabini. Mrs. Hilario Del Rosario de Aguinaldo was appointed President.
August 29, 1900
Felipe Agoncillo, International Delegate of Diplomacy, met with Gustave Moynier, an original member of the Committee of Five and ICRC President, for the recognition of the Filipino Red Cross Society and application of the 1864 Geneva Conventions during the Filipino- American War.
August 30, 1905
The Philippine Branch of the American National Red Cross (ANRC) was organized by Filipino and American leaders at the Ayuntamiento.
December 04, 1917
The Philippine Branch was officially created as a Chapter of the ANRC.
1934
President Manuel L. Quezon attempted to establish an independent Philippine Red Cross. It was postponed until the Philippines became independent because the Commonwealth cannot sign the Geneva Conventions.
1942
A Japanese controlled Philippine Red Cross was created to take care of internment camps located in the country.
1945
Upon the liberation of Manila, local Red Cross officials and the ANRC undertook to reconstitute the organization.
December 01, 1946
Thirty- six chapters were started all over the country. The first Filipino manager, Dr. J. Horacio Yanzon, was appointed.
February 14, 1947
President Manuel A. Roxas signed the treaty of Geneva and the Prisoners of War Convention.
March 22, 1947
President Roxas signed the Philippine National Red Cross Charter Republic Act 95.
March 29, 1947
Mrs. Aurora Aragon Quezon, as PNRC Chairman, received a cable indicating that the ICRC approved to recognized the PNRC.
April 15, 1947
The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) was proclaimed amidst impressive independence ceremonies at the Malacañang Palace.
September 17, 1947
The PNRC was admitted to membership in the League of red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (now known as IFRC or Federation)
March 07, 1951
The Philippine Government signed and ratified the First Geneva Convention
October 06, 1952
The Philippine Government signed and ratified the II, III, and IV Geneva Conventions.
December 11, 1986
Protocol II of the Geneva Conventions was adhered to by the Philippine Government.
