Ethiopian Review

Today marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Solferino, which first inspired the formation of the Red Cross Movement. Congratulating the Red Cross on this Anniversary, Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant said:

‘Today’s anniversary offers an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the important work of the British Red Cross, and the wider International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The United Kingdom is proud to be one of the largest financial contributors to the Movement’s international humanitarian activities, supporting their work under the most difficult and dangerous circumstances to save and improve lives.

The government and the British Red Cross work closely together in promoting and implementing International Humanitarian Law. This includes training our armed forces and spreading awareness and knowledge of international humanitarian norms, especially in schools. On 9 July, we will be co-hosting a conference to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.

On this 150th anniversary of the start of the Red Cross story we look forward to continued cooperation and partnership for the benefit of those in humanitarian need all over the world.’
Notes for Editors

Last year, the United Kingdom contributed £ 66 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross, and paid more than £ 20 million in response to the annual appeal and emergency appeals of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

- UK in Ethiopia