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.
第一次世界大戰後，鑒於戰爭給世界各國人民帶來的巨大痛苦，捷克斯洛伐克紅十字會首先倡議每年舉行為期三天的“紅十字休戰日”活動。大力宣傳紅十字會的人道思想，增進各國人民之間的友誼和合作，促進世界和平，減少戰爭危險。同時，結合紅十字會業務進行全國的衛生、救濟、社會福利等方面的宣傳教育。
這些倡議和作法，受到國際紅十字界的讚賞和支持。紅十字會與紅新月會協會理事會於1922年的第二次會議上，根據已經取得的成就和經驗，敦促各國紅十字會認真考慮紅十字休戰日的作法。隨後，第十一屆國際紅十字大會再次審議後，建議在全世界範圍內規定一天為紅十字日。
為表彰紅十字運動的創始人亨利·杜南的功績，國際聯合會於1948年決定將他的生日5月8日命名為世界紅十字日。