Caught in conflict: An exhibition on 75 years of the Geneva Conventions and the Red Cross’s humanitarian legacy

Visit our new exhibition at the British Red Cross museum showing how the organisation has been here for humanity during past and present conflicts, 

This new exhibition marks this historic anniversary, showing how the Red Cross has been here for humanity during past and present conflicts, and telling the stories of people who have been affected. 

It captures the profound impact of conflicts on the lives of people, across time and continents. From objects of the Second World War to remnants salvaged from the aftermath of conflict in Iraq, each artefact and image bears witness to the human cost of war and humanity’s hardest moments.


We also see the humanity of those who worked or volunteered with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and their tireless efforts to bring hope and relief to people affected by conflict in and beyond wartime. Here, we witness the resilience and compassion that emerge amid the harsh realities of war.

 

Exhibition details

  • Open to visit from 12 August 2024
  • Address: British Red Cross Museum, 44 Moorfields, London, EC2Y 9AL
  • Free exhibition

 

Exhibition credits

Curator: Mehzebin Adam-Suter
Marketing Officer: Olivia Hollings
Object photography: Karolina Heller
All images © British Red Cross Museum and Archives unless otherwise stated.

 

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The founding of the Geneva Conventions

The 1949 Geneva Conventions form the basis of modern international humanitarian law, setting out the rules that apply during armed conflicts. They have been adopted around the world to safeguard civilians and other people who are not, or no longer, participating in hostilities. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has played a unique role in shaping the Geneva Conventions, initially inspired by the vision of its founder, Henry Dunant.

Poster illustrating the First Geneva Convention for the protection of the sick and wounded members of the armed forces on land. Poster produced 1949.

Poster illustrating the First Geneva Convention for the protection of the sick and wounded members of the armed forces on land. Poster produced 1949.

Joyce Gutteridge, the UK’s first-ever female legal adviser at the Foreign Office

Joyce Gutteridge, the UK’s first-ever female legal adviser at the Foreign Office, played a pivotal role in drafting the Geneva Conventions in 1949. 

The Second World War

The Second World War marked a crucial turning point for humanity, with its staggering death toll of 60 million people, the majority of whom were civilians. Seventy-five years ago, following the end of this ‘total war’, significant updates and improvements were made to the Geneva Conventions to take into account the civilian experience.

A civilian gas mask from a British Red Cross first aid post in Hampshire from around1939–1945.

A civilian gas mask from a British Red Cross first aid post in Hampshire, c.1939–1945.

Civilians in Holland queuing around a British Red Cross mobile canteen, 1939-1945

Civilians in Holland queuing around a British Red Cross mobile canteen, 1939-1945 

Retrieved from the rubble in Iraq

In 2017, the ICRC (the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent) collected objects from two cities, Baiji and Ramadi, in Iraq to highlight the impact of urban warfare on civilians. These everyday items, bearing the memories of their owners, reflect the suffering of civilians caught in conflict. By looking closely at these objects, we wonder who they belonged to and what these individuals were doing when war forced them to abandon their possessions and flee.

Burnt bicycle wheel retrieved from rubble during the war in Iraq

This wheel was part of a burnt bicycle found in front of a destroyed building in Baiji, a neighbourhood severely damaged by war.

Damaged bicycle retrieved from rubble during the war in Iraq

A bike and a burnt-out car lie in the street in front of a scorched building in a severely damaged Baiji neighbourhood.

War in cities today

Recent conflicts in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Ukraine, and Iraq have devastated cities, caused immense civilian casualties, and forced many to leave their homes. But the Geneva Conventions have saved countless lives and can save more. The rules found in international humanitarian law are practical. They are designed to be followed even in the extreme circumstances of war.

Destroyed buildings and rubble in Gaza

More than 75% of the population in Gaza have been displaced, forced to leave their homes, and are now living in the streets, makeshift shelters, or tents. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is working together to address the immense humanitarian needs in Gaza.

International Committee of the Red Cross emergency response vehicle

Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have endured unimaginable suffering as they wait for news of their loved ones. Colleagues from the International Committee of the Red Cross have been working tirelessly to access the hostages and provide desperate families with information. 

Want to discover the reality of armed conflict, explore the rules of war, and the important role the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement plays in promoting respect for these humanitarian principles? 

Take a look at our immersive interactive film.

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