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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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Red_Cross,_the
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1992-09-01
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International relief agency founded by the
Geneva Convention 1864 at the instigation of
the Swiss doctor Henri Dunant to assist the
wounded and prisoners in war. Its symbol is a
symmetrical red cross on a white ground. In
addition to dealing with associated problems
of war, such as refugees and the care of the
disabled, the Red Cross is increasingly
concerned with victims of natural disasters -
floods, earthquakes, epidemics, and
accidents. Prompted by war horrors described
by Dunant, the Geneva Convention laid down
principles to ensure the safety of
ambulances, hospitals, stores, and personnel
distinguished by the Red Cross emblem. The
Muslim equivalent is the Red Crescent. The
British Red Cross Society was founded 1870,
and incorporated 1908. It works in close
association with the St John Ambulance
Association. The US National Red Cross was
founded 1881.