on 16 october 1990, the un general assembly decided to grant the icrc observer status for its assembly sessions and sub-committee meetings, the first observer status given to a private organization. the resolution was jointly proposed by 138 member states and introduced by the italian ambassador, vieri traxler, in memory of the organization's origins in the battle of solferino. an agreement with the swiss government signed on 19 march 1993, affirmed the already long-standing policy of full independence of the committee from any possible interference by switzerland. the agreement protects the full sanctity of all icrc property in switzerland including its headquarters and archive, grants members and staff legal immunity, exempts the icrc from all taxes and fees, guarantees the protected and duty-free transfer of goods, services, and money, provides the icrc with secure communication privileges at the same level as foreign embassies, and simplifies committee travel in and out of switzerland.