Past Exhibition: Humanity in War: Frontline Photography Since 1860

Humanity in War takes the viewer on a chronological journey of some of the worlds most tragic events through the archive photographic collection of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva.  

This touring exhibition, on loan from the International Committee of the Red Cross, focuses on the people who suffered as a result of armed conflict and those that came to their aid. 

From the American Civil War which took place 150 years ago to the conflicts of the early 21st century, the camera lens has recorded moments of courage, dignity, challenge and hope against a backdrop of pain and suffering. 

International Committee of the Red Cross

Humanity in War: Frontline photography since 1860

Since the second half of the nineteenth century, photography has played a fundamental role in opening the world's eyes to the horrors of war. During the same period, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has worked to alleviate the suffering of victims of armed conflict around the world. In this exhibition and accompanying book, Humanity in War, the ICRC traces the history of war and its humanitarian consequences from the American Civil War to modern-day conflicts with striking images that bring to life the pain and anguish of men, women and children who endured the hardships of war.

Established in 1863, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavours to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.100 years on from the start of World War One and 150 years from the First Geneva Convention, the ICRC now has 13,000 staff in more than 80 countries working to alleviate the suffering of those caught up in conflict.

In Northern Ireland, the ICRC has a number of projects and initiatives that deal with the impact of violence or the legacy of conflict. It works with community-based organizations in Belfast, Londonderry/Derry and other areas, that seek to ease sectarian tension and to limit violence within or between communities.