The innovation introduced by Dunant was to keep humanitarian activities separate from the vicissitudes of the battlefield by granting the protection of a neutral status, recognized by both sides, to all those who care for the wounded. This concept represented a departure from standard practice. Until then the organization of care had been entrusted to national medical services, and the application of the term “neutral” to the latter initially met with strong reservations. Much more was involved, however, than organizing a system for medical care, for Dunant advocated that assistance, determined solely by the suffering of those in need, be given without discrimination. This meant refraining from judging their previous … Continue reading Humanitarian action (Jean Guillermand)