MINEOLA, N.Y., Aug. 12, 2009 -- Today marks a special anniversary for the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network. Sixty years ago, following the atrocities of World War II, nations met in Switzerland to revise and expand upon war-time protections that were originally inspired by Red Cross founder Henry Dunant in 1864.

Four Geneva Conventions resulted, which safeguard those who do not take part in fighting and those that can no longer fight — wounded, civilians, and prisoners of war. Ratified by 194 nations, they are considered universal and are the cornerstone for international humanitarian law.

The Red Cross emblem is synonymous with these humanitarian protections, and the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network is charged with promoting these rules.

To learn more about the Geneva Conventions or humanitarian law, visit www.redcross.org.

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