History
Narrative Summary
NOTE: This feature applies to the International operations of the Red Cross, whilst local and national Red Cross Societies are detailed separately under the relevant country.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a humanitarian institution based in Geneva, Switzerland, with a mandate to protect victims of international and internal armed conflicts. It was first established in 1863 as an investigatory commission of the Geneva Society for Public Welfare. Shortly after its creation it adopted the name “International Committee for Relief to the Wounded”. An international conference held in 1864 established the first Geneva Convention on the protection of wounded soldiers and the neutrality of field medical personnel. In 1876 the central organisation was renamed the “International Committee of the Red Cross”.
Due to its outstanding humanitarian work in World War I the ICRC was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1917, and again in 1944 for its work in World War Two. When the Biafran conflict in Nigeria broke out in 1967 the ICRC initially declined to intervene for legal reasons. However, rapidly growing public pressure saw the launch of the first major civilian humanitarian airlift in history. The ICRC hired a fleet of aircraft and managed to deliver 21,000 tons of food to Biafra before the conflict ended in 1970. As one of the lessons learned from the Biafra Conflict, the Logistics Division of the ICRC established an Air Operations Unit which is tasked with th air transportation of humanitarian aid to herever it is required.
Key Dates
| 9 February 1863 |
|
‘Committee of Five’ established by Henry Dunant. |
| 22 August 1864 |
|
First Geneva Convention adopted |
| 1876 |
|
The committee adopts the name “International Committee of the Red Cross” (ICRC) |
| 1917 |
|
The ICRC receives the Nobel Peace Prize for its outstanding humanitarian work in WW1 |
| 1944 |
|
The ICRC receives it’s second Nobel Peace Prize for its humanitarian work in WW2 |
| 1969 |
|
ICRC begins airlift of humanitarian aid Biafra |
| 1970? |
|
ICRC Air Operations Unit established |
Current Status
The Air Operations Unit of the ICRC is currently active in more than nine locations around the world. The ICRC does not own or operate any aircraft, only wet leasing aircraft from commercial operators.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
National Insignia
Special Markings
Aircraft Serial Numbers
All ICRC aircraft carry only civil registrations.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Aircraft listed are those on long-term leases in ICRC markings. Short-term leases without special markings are not included.
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
To be added.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
ICRC, Logistics Division, Air Operations Unit, Geneva, Switzerland.
Organisational Structure
The Air Operations Unit works by establishing Operational Bases in the host country or a neighbouring country and then ferrying in bulk cargo as required. Smaller aircraft and helicopters are used to distribute supplies to those in need.
Current Unit Assignments
To be added.
Historical Unit Assignments
To be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
To be added.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
To be added.
More Information
Books
None known
Magazines
To be added
Websites
wikipedia: International Committee of the Red Cross
wikipedia: Biafran Airlift
Airliners.net
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.
