The Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal – Emblems That Protect Life
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian movement in the world and has existed for over 160 years. In 1864, an international conference in Geneva adopted the Convention that introduced the Red Cross as a protective emblem (based on the Swiss flag, with inverted colours).
Nineteen years ago, on 8 December 2005, Additional Protocol III to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 introduced the adoption of an additional distinctive emblem — the Red Crystal, which holds the same meaning. On this day, the Ukrainian Red Cross, along with other national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, reminds everyone of the importance of respecting these distinctive emblems. We also strengthen our cooperation to prevent the misuse of the Red Cross symbols by participating in a one-day cross-border campaign to protect the emblem on social media.
The Protective and Distinctive Functions of the Red Cross Emblem
The Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and the Red Crystal are internationally recognised symbols that are strictly regulated as signs of neutrality and protection during armed conflict under international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. This protection extends to medical and clerical personnel of the armed forces, military medical facilities and vehicles, as well as to civilian healthcare services when authorised by the authorities in accordance with national legislation.
The emblems are also used for distinctive purposes to identify persons or objects belonging to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, both during armed conflict and in peacetime. In this context, the emblems should always be placed next to the name of the National Society or other organisations within the Movement and should not be used on armbands or on the roofs of buildings. This is to avoid confusion with emblems used for protective purposes.
When emblems are used inappropriately, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it undermines their protective meaning and special significance, which can lead to serious consequences. Misuse includes imitation (the use of a distinctive mark that can be mistaken for an emblem due to similarities in shape and/or colour) and unlawful use in violation of the conditions stipulated by international humanitarian law and national legislation.
Unfortunately, many unauthorised entities and individuals (including those from the private, non-governmental, and medical sectors, etc.) now use the Red Cross emblem in ways that disregard the established rules or in manners that may undermine the Movement’s reputation or respect for the emblem. These actions constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and are subject to prosecution under national law.
The Problem of Misuse of the Red Cross Emblem
During the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Red Cross has encountered more than 100 cases of cross-border misuse of the emblem. Foreign companies and organisations providing humanitarian aid, evacuation, animal rescue, and other volunteer services frequently display the emblem illegally, particularly on their own vehicles.
We emphasise that any misuse of distinctive emblems during armed conflict can weaken their protective value and undermine respect for them. This can endanger the lives of those entitled to use the emblem for protection while providing medical care to the wounded, restrict safe access for International Red Cross Movement personnel, and impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
We call on everyone to recognise the importance of the Red Cross emblem and to defend its special status. This is especially crucial now as armed conflicts continue in Ukraine and other parts of the world. We urge you to respect international humanitarian law and help prevent the misuse of emblems. Your concern can help protect people affected by armed conflicts and those who provide them with impartial assistance.
Together, we can make a difference!
