RED CROSS EMBLEM Article 38 of the first 1949 Geneva Convention describes the Red Cross emblem as a red

cross on a white ground, formed by reversing the colours of the flag of Switzerland. According to the International Red Cross, this emblem was born on 1864, during the First Geneva Convention, in honour of neutral Switzerland. The sign was used as a neutral and distinctive sign of protection. Over the years, many other emblems have been recognized such as, the red lion and sun used by Persia since 1929, the red crescent which formally replaced the red lion and sun in 1980 and in 2005, the red crystal which was created as an additional emblem devoid of any national, political or religious connotation. Use of Red Cross Emblem The four Geneva Conventions with the additional Protocols I to III, states the use of the Red Cross symbol. Among others, articles 40 and 44 of the First 1949 Geneva Convention, Article 42 of the second 1949 Geneva Convention and Articles 18, 20, 21 and 22 of the Fourth Geneva Convention provide for the identification and protection of Red Cross-bearing individuals, societies, and companies. It must be noted that there is a difference in the use of the Red Cross emblem during wartime and peacetime. Use of Red Cross Emblem during wartime During wartime or when armed conflicts arise, the use of the emblem is referred to as protective use. Such use is utilized when the emblem becomes a visible sign in armed conflict of the protection given to the medical services, equipment and buildings of the armed forces under international law. Article 44 of the First Geneva Convention fleshes this out, stating that the emblem may not be employedexceptto protect the medical units and establishments, the personnel and material protected by the present Convention and other Conventions dealing with similar matters. The emblem may be displayed on different entities. As stated in Article 39 of the first Geneva Convention, the emblem shall be displayed on the flags, armlets and on all equipment employed in the Medical Service. The same may also be worn by designated personnel who come under articles 24, 26 and 27 of the same Convention. Article 18 of the Fourth 1949 Geneva Convention adds, Civilian hospitals shall be marked by means of the emblem provided for in Article 38 of the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and the Sick in Armed Forcesbut only if so authorized by the state. The same kind of protection is also given to humanitarian organizations, who with the military, are assisting those whom the Geneva Convention seeks to protect: the wounded, the prisoners and the civilians who are caught in the middle of the battle. The additional protocols also state that the emblem may be worn by permanent or temporary civilian, medical and religious personnel. Whenever possible, such an emblem should be displayed on the headgears and clothes of such people whenever they are on duty while the battle is on-going. *All statements in quotes ( ) have been lifted from: www.icrc.org/eng/war-andlaw/emblem/overview-emblem.htm and from the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols, as identified.

The protection that the emblem provides is aptly summarized by the International Red Cross who explained that any deliberate attack on a person, equipment or a building carrying a protective emblem is a war crime under international law. In times of armed conflicts, the emblem must not contain any embellishments. The red cross or crescent must be clearly seen on a white background. Buildings, hospitals and vehicles must show such emblem in a large format. Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states that, the parties to the conflict shall, in so far as military considerations permit, take necessary steps to make the distinctive emblems indicating civilian hospitals clearly visible to the enemy land, air and naval forces in order to obviate the possibility of any hostile action. Additionally, for those who shall wear the emblem on armbands and vests, the same rules shall apply : the red must be properly seen on a blank, white background. Use of Red Cross during Peacetime The emblem takes another form of use during peacetime. This use may be referred to as indicative use. Such use allows National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world to use the emblem to identify themselves as part of a global network known as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The said National Societies may utilize the Red Cross emblem as a logo and may make use of the name and emblem of the red cross for their activities other than assistance to the medical service of the armed forces. Use of Indicative Emblem during Wartime The indicative emblem may be used during wartime but only under the condition that it cannot be considered as implying the protection of the Convention. The use of the indicative emblem during wartime poses another set of guidelines: such emblems should be smaller in size than the protective emblem. Entities are also prohibited from placing the indicative emblem on armlets or roofs of buildings. Care must be taken so as not to confuse the indicative emblem with the protective emblem. Prohibitions on the use of the Emblem The Additional Protocols strictly prohibit the improper use of the emblem. Article 12 of the 1977 Additional Protocol II states that the distinctive emblem, shall be respected in all circumstances. It shall not be used improperly. Article 38 of the 1977 Additional Protocol I also prohibits the improper use of the emblem. It is also forbidden to deliberately misuse the emblem in an armed conflict. Final Statement Through generations, the Red Cross, Red Crescent and the Red Crystal emblems have been used in wartime and peacetime. They have afforded protection to the people and have given a distinct identity to those who carry such emblems. *All statements in quotes ( ) have been lifted from: www.icrc.org/eng/war-andlaw/emblem/overview-emblem.htm and from the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols, as identified.

The emblems shall always stand for the belief of the International Committee of the Red Cross: Inter Arma Caritas (In War, Charity). And also, they stand for those who seek humanitarian harmony through peace: Per Humanitatem, Ad Pacem (With Humanity, Towards Peace).

*All statements in quotes ( ) have been lifted from: www.icrc.org/eng/war-andlaw/emblem/overview-emblem.htm and from the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols, as identified.