After the first world war, in view of the great pain of war bring to people all over the world, the Red Cross first initiative of Czechoslovakia three days each year, the "Red Cross truce" activity. Publicity of the Red Cross humanitarian ideas, enhance friendship and cooperation between the people of all countries, promoting world peace, reduce the risk of war. At the same time, combining with the Red Cross society of business for the national health, the propaganda and education relief, social welfare, etc. These initiatives and practice, attracting appreciation and support of the international Red Cross. The Red Cross and red crescent societies in 1922, the second meeting of the association, according to have the achievements and experience, urged countries to the Red Cross to seriously consider the armistice day of the Red Cross. Subsequently, the 11th international conference of the Red Cross again after the review, Suggestions in a day is the day of the Red Cross worldwide regulations.
In recognition of the movement of the Red Cross founder Henry dunant's merit, international federation in 1948 decided to his birthday on May 8, named the world Red Cross day.
第一次世界大战后，鉴于战争给世界各国人民带来的巨大痛苦，捷克斯洛伐克红十字会首先倡议每年举行为期三天的“红十字休战日”活动。大力宣传红十字会的人道思想，增进各国人民之间的友谊和合作，促进世界和平，减少战争危险。同时，结合红十字会业务进行全国的卫生、救济、社会福利等方面的宣传教育。
这些倡议和作法，受到国际红十字界的赞赏和支持。红十字会与红新月会协会理事会于1922年的第二次会议上，根据已经取得的成就和经验，敦促各国红十字会认真考虑红十字休战日的作法。随后，第十一届国际红十字大会再次审议后，建议在全世界范围内规定一天为红十字日。
为表彰红十字运动的创始人亨利·杜南的功绩，国际联合会于1948年决定将他的生日5月8日命名为世界红十字日。
