Convention for the Amelioration of the Wounded in Time of War

The Convention for the Amelioration of the Wounded in Time of War, adopted in 1864, was the first of the Geneva Conventions. This treaty, initiated by Henri Dunant and closely associated with the Red Cross, established key protections during wartime. It ensured the immunity of medical facilities and personnel, guaranteed impartial care for all combatants, protected civilians assisting the wounded, and recognized the Red Cross symbol for identification. This foundational agreement was quickly ratified by major European powers and laid the groundwork for subsequent international humanitarian laws aimed at mitigating the effects of war.12