The ICRC is one of the world’s oldest humanitarian organizations and the guardian of the Geneva Conventions.

Its work includes tending to those injured or detained in armed conflicts, and training armies to respect the rules of war.

Career diplomat Maurer is currently the top civil servant in Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry.

The ICRC said Wednesday that on July 1, 2012, Maurer will succeed his countryman Jakob Kellenberger, who had been president since 2000.