Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the red crystal adopted as an additional emblem?
Over 190 countries currently use either the red cross or the red crescent emblems. However, these emblems are sometimes perceived as having religious, cultural or political connotations. This has affected respect for the emblems, especially in certain conflict situations, and has diminished the protection the emblems offer to victims, humanitarian workers and medical personnel.
Some countries, therefore, wanted to use other emblems, or in the alternative, both the red crescent and red cross together. This was not possible under the terms of the Geneva Conventions and the statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The additional emblem, known as the red crystal, is a red frame in the shape of a square on edge, on a white background. The red crystal is perceived to be free from any religious, political, ethnic or other connotation. It has the same status as the red cross and red crescent emblems recognized by the Geneva Conventions.
Will the Canadian Red Cross adopt the red crystal as its new emblem?
No, we do not expect to change the use of the red cross emblem in Canada.
In Canada, as in all other States Party to the Geneva Conventions, the emblem used is determined by the national government. For example, in Canada the statutory foundation of the National Society is The Canadian Red Cross Society Act of 1909. This legislation stipulates that the red cross is the only emblem of the Canadian Red Cross.
While it is possible for a national government to decide to adopt the red crystal as the exclusive emblem to be used in its territory, National Societies—including Canada—which currently use and want to keep using the red cross or the red crescent, will continue to do so.
The Canadian Red Cross has more than 100 years experience in humanitarian work in Canada. The red cross emblem is known throughout all provinces and territories as a symbol of assistance, disaster response and services to vulnerable people. It has been proudly worn by millions of volunteers and staff over the years and it is highly regarded and respected in all communities.
How will the red crystal emblem be used?
Under the Geneva Conventions, the red cross or red crescent emblem may be used for two purposes. The first is as a visible sign of the protection conferred by International Humanitarian Law on persons and objects such as humanitarian workers and medical staff from national societies, the ICRC and the IFRC. This is the protective use of the emblem.
The second use of the emblem indicates that persons or objects are linked to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This use is called the indicative use of the emblem. For example, our name, “Canadian Red Cross” is an indicative use of the emblem.
As an additional emblem of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the red crystal may be used in the same ways as the red cross and red crescent emblems.
Where will the red crystal emblem be used?
The emblem used in a particular country is determined by that country’s government. All States Party to the Geneva Conventions may choose which emblem will be used within their national boundaries.
More Information
A comprehensive discussion of the emblem issue, including historical context, can be found in the Report of the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent on the emblem issue, prepared for the December 2003 International Conference in Geneva: http://www.icrc.org/Web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/5XRFW4/$File/Emblem_FINAL_ANG.pdf
More information on the emblem issue is available on the ICRC Web site at: http://www.icrc.org/.
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