The Red Cross emblem
The Red Cross emblem has to follow very strict conditions.
Hundreds of infringements occur on a daily basis.
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Society is the world's largest humanitarian organisation, which aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering and is committed to protecting the life, health and dignity of people.
Henry Dunant - the Swiss banker who founded the Red Cross in 1863 - chose the red cross on a white background as his emblem.
In the meantime, it has become a universally recognised identifying mark for goods and persons responsible for medical care in conflict situations. The emblem is intended to ensure protection and respect.
In 2005, the States Parties to the Geneva Conventions adopted an additional emblem: the red crystal. The red crystal has the same legal status as the red cross and red crescent and can be used in the same way and under the same conditions.
An authorised permission may be granted in the form of a logo with the red emblem on a white background with the mention of the initials or name of the national association, e.g. the logo of the Red Cross Belgium.
The emblem itself is protected in both times of peace and war. In the sense that many non-profit organisations, medical practices and also other companies etc. are not allowed to use the emblem unless you are part of the army or have exceptional approval.
An authorised permission may be granted in the form of a logo with the red emblem on a white background with the mention of the initials or name of the national association, e.g. the logo of the Red Cross Belgium.
Breaches of the emblem are taken very seriously. They are not only a problem for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, but for the entire humanitarian world. The violations affect the fundamental principle that victims of armed conflict have a right to assistance and that assistance workers should have access to victims.
Chances are good that you will spot a violation somewhere soon, please let us know!