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| − | The Red Cross is an organization that helps wounded and imprisoned soldiers in wartime, | + | The '''Red Cross''' is an international [[nonprofit organization]] that helps wounded and imprisoned soldiers in wartime, and during peacetime collects medical supplies and trains nurses. The organization was founded by Jean-Henri Dunant, a [[Switzerland|Swiss]] businessman, who was deeply affected by the suffering and hardship of the wounded soldiers in the Italian war for independence. In 1862, he proposed that a worldwide group of volunteers be formed to help the wounded and imprisoned in wartime. In 1863, he suggested a gathering of nations to develop such an institute. In 1864, the Swiss government held a conference with representatives of many nations who drafted the first [[Geneva Convention]]. This convention brought the Red Cross movement into existence. The organization's symbol is a red cross on a white background, the inverse of the Swiss national [[flag]]. |
| − | and during peacetime collects medical supples and trains nurses. The organizaton was proposes by Jean-Henri Dunant, a Swiss-businessman, who was deeply affected by the suffering and hardship of the wounded soldiers in the Italian war for independence. In 1862, he proposed a worldwide group of volunteers be formed to help the wounded and imprisoned in wartime. In 1863, he suggested a gathering of world nations to develop such an institute. In 1864, the Swiss government held a conference with representatives of many nations who drafted the first Geneva Convention. This convention brought the Red Cross movement into existence. The organizations symbol is a red cross on a white background. | + | |
| | + | Owing to the religious significance of the cross, in [[Islam]]ic countries the organization is known as the '''Red Crescent''' and uses the eponymous symbol. In [[Israel]], a red Star of David is used and the organization is named '''Magen David Adom''' (Hebrew: מגן דוד אדום). In religious conflict zones involving two (or more) religions the respective symbols are often used side by side. |
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| | + | In 2011, the International Red Cross started shilling for legalized [[abortion]].<ref>[https://www.lifenews.com/2011/12/15/red-cross-women-should-have-access-to-safe-abortions/ Red Cross: Women Should Have “Access to Safe Abortions”, LifeNews.com, December 15, 2011]</ref> |
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| | + | ==References== |
| | + | <references/> |
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| | + | [[Category:International Organizations]] |
| | + | [[Category:Medicine]] |
| | + | [[Category:Nobel Laureates in Peace]] |
| | + | [[Category:Abortion]] |