Centenary congress at new york

The Centenary Congress at New York!

The Centenary Congress was a significant event in the history of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It took place in New York City from May 23 to June 1, 1939.

Here's a brief overview:

Background: The ICRC was founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant, and by the 1930s, the organization had grown significantly. The Centenary Congress was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ICRC's founding and to discuss the future of the Red Cross Movement.

Objectives: The Congress aimed to:

  1. Celebrate the ICRC's centenary and its achievements.
  2. Review the progress of the Red Cross Movement worldwide.
  3. Discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Movement.
  4. Adopt a new Statute for the ICRC and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Key outcomes: The Congress resulted in several significant outcomes:

  1. New Statute: The Congress adopted a new Statute for the ICRC and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which emphasized the importance of humanitarian law, neutrality, and impartiality.
  2. Expansion of the Movement: The Congress led to the expansion of the Red Cross Movement, with more countries joining and the establishment of new national societies.
  3. International humanitarian law: The Congress emphasized the importance of international humanitarian law and the need for its development and implementation.
  4. ICRC's role: The Congress reaffirmed the ICRC's role as the guardian of international humanitarian law and its responsibility to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence.

Notable attendees: The Congress was attended by representatives from over 40 countries, including prominent figures such as:

  1. Henry Morgenthau Jr., US Secretary of the Treasury
  2. Cordell Hull, US Secretary of State
  3. Édouard Daladier, Prime Minister of France
  4. Neville Chamberlain, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
  5. Juan Domingo Perón, President of Argentina

The Centenary Congress at New York was a significant milestone in the history of the Red Cross Movement, marking a new era of cooperation, expansion, and commitment to humanitarian principles.