The following is a timeline of key events in the history of humanitarian aid, international relief and development aid.
- 24 June 1859 - Battle of Solferino - Henry Dunant (who went on to found the International Committee of the Red Cross) is inspired to organise to assist the victims of war.
- 1863 Foundation of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
- 1968 Biafran War - disagreement about how to deal with gross human rights abuses cause a split that will result in a group of Red Cross doctors forming Médecins Sans Frontières.