One hundred and sixty-seven years ago, in the small town of Solferino, Italy, the surrounding hills became the site of one of the largest and bloodiest battles in history. Thousands of civilians and soldiers lost their lives during the conflict.
Witnessing the immense human suffering, Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross Movement, was inspired to develop what became known as “A Story of an Idea”. His vision was simple yet revolutionary: to provide assistance to all victims of war – the wounded, the dying, and those who had lost their lives – without discrimination, while ensuring that every person was treated with dignity. Women, under Henry Dunant’s guidance, were among the first to put this humanitarian idea into action.
Today, 167 years later, that vision has grown into the world’s largest humanitarian network – the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The commemorative programme includes two key plenary discussions: one focusing on health, and the other on the protection of people affected by disasters and humanitarian emergencies. Representing the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of the Indian Ocean region on one of these panels is the Secretary General of the Seychelles Red Cross Society, Marie-May Esparon.
Another highlight of the event is the traditional evening torchlight march through the historic Solferino battlefield. To welcome nearly 200 participants from countries around the world, a large camp has been established for the occasion. The candlelit procession honours not only those who lost their lives at the Battle of Solferino, but also those who continue to lose their lives today, including humanitarian workers and volunteers who risk everything to help others, and those who continue to hold on to hope.
The Seychelles Red Cross Society is represented at Solferino 2026 in Italy by its Vice President, Audrey Adam, and Secretary General, Marie-May Esparon.
