I have arrived in Switzerland for an important conference put on by the WFM (more on that later). One of the first things I noticed here in Geneva was a small statue of Henry Dunant a human rights activist and well respected businessman who was the inspiration/driver for the creation of the Geneva Conventions. Dunant had witnessed the Battle of Solferino (fought in June of 1859). It saw a victory of sorts for the allied French Army under Napoleon III and Sardinian Army under Victor Emmanuel II  against the Austrian Army under Emperor Francis-Joseph. The real lesson of the battle, as well as its positive impact on history, was that the rule of law was applicable at all times even during a conflict. The lesson was learned because Dunant witnessed the killing and its aftermath and was moved to act.

Dunant wrote about it in an important book called a Memory of Solferino. He and other historians have correctly focused on its brutality with many thousands killed and wounded and horrific stories of wounded and dying soldiers being killed on both sides. Dunant’s book was the inspiration behind the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In addition the 1864 Geneva Convention was based on Dunant's vision. His good works were rewarded when he received the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. 

At a time when we are all deeply troubled by the erosion of the rule of law across the globe it is perhaps worth remembering the lesson of Dunant; that in every crisis there is an opportunity.

Today, perhaps, good people who value the rule of law can work together to recommit the global community to the Geneva Conventions and all they represent….Dunant would approve of such an effort. A good place to start is a narrative of all that has gone wrong – I would like to suggest that an Independent Bipartisan Commission on Torture and Interrogation is one way to start this process.

Raj Purohit