Jean-Henri Dunant

Jean-Henri Dunant was a Swiss businessman and humanitarian born in 1828. He is best known for founding the International Red Cross after witnessing the suffering of wounded soldiers at the Battle of Solferino in 1859. Moved by the inadequate medical care for soldiers, he organized volunteers and inspired the creation of a neutral organization to provide aid during conflicts. His efforts led to the development of the Geneva Convention, establishing standards for humanitarian treatment of the injured. Dunant’s work significantly advanced international humanitarian law, earning him the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.