Introduction

Red Cross, international organization concerned with the alleviation of human suffering and the promotion of public health, the world recognized symbols of mercy and absolute neutrality are the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and the Red Crystal flags and emblems

Mission

1. Aid to sick and wounded members of the Armed Forces of the Union in accordance with the terms and spirit of the Geneva Conventions of 12th August,1949 and discharge of other obligations devolving upon the Society under the Conventions as the recognised auxiliary ot the Armed Forces Medical Services. 2. Aid to the demobilised sick and wounded members of the Armed Forces of the Union. 3. Maternity and child Welfare. 4. Junior Red Cross. 5. Nursing and Ambulance Work. 6. Provision of releif for the mitigation of suffering caused by epidemics,earthquake,famines,floods and others disasters,whether in India of outside. 7. The establishment and maintenance of peace among all nations in accordance with the decisions of the International Red Cross Organisation. 8. Work parties to provide comforts and necessary garments etc for hospitals and health Institutions.

History

The creation of the Red Cross was spurred by the publication of Un Souvenir de Solfreino 1862, an account by Jean Henri Dunant of the suffering endured by the wounded at the battle of Solferino in 1859. Dunant, a Swiss citizen, urged the formation of voluntary aid societies for relief of such war victims. He also asked that service to military sick and wounded be neutral. The Societe genovoise de Utilite publique, a Swiss welfare agency, actively seconded Dunants suggestion, the result being the formation 1863 of the organization that became known as the Red Cross. The next year, delegates from 16 nations met in Switzerland, and the Geneva Convention of 1864 for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick of Armies in the Field was adopted and signed by 12 of the nations represented. It provided for the neutrality of the medical personnel of armed forces, the humane treatment of the wounded, the neutrality of civilians who voluntarily assisted them, and the use of an international emblem to mark medical personnel and supplies. In honor of Dunants nationality, a red cross on a white background the Swiss flag with colors reversed was chosen as this symbol.

Objective