International Movement

 The mission of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is to alleviate human sufferings, protect human lives and health, and stand for the dignity of people, especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies. The Movement is present in 192 countries and is supported by 14 million volunteers.

Emblems of the International Movement

The primary task of the founders of the Movement was to adopt a single distinctive emblem that would signify the legal protection of medical services of the armed forces and volunteers who care for the wounded and victims of armed conflicts.

Red Cross

At a diplomatic conference in 1864, when the First Geneva Convention was adopted, a red cross on a white background was established as a special international distinctive emblem for sanitary army formations, to provide protection on battlefields. This symbol was chosen for several reasons. A white banner in international relations is recognized as a request to end hostilities, a sign of truce. The red cross symbolizes respect and mercy to the wounded and to those who come to help them. Moreover, the sign was easy to manufacture, and it was recognizable even at a long distance.

Red Crescent

During the Russian-Turkish War (1876-1878), the Ottoman Empire announced that it would use a red crescent sign on its ambulances, while at the same time respecting the enemy ambulances marked with the red cross. The Turks said that the red cross insignia was an insult to Muslim soldiers. However, only at a diplomatic conference in 1929 did the International Movement agree to use this emblem.

Red Crystal

In 2005, the International Committee of the Red Cross introduced a third emblem - a red crystal. The new emblem became a universal symbol for those who for some reasons (for example, religious reasons) could not use the Red Cross or the Red Crescent.

Use of the emblems:

At present, many countries use the Red Cross, Red Crescent or Red Crystal - all emblems are equivalent. The rules governing the use of the emblems are laid down in the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, as well as in national legislations of most countries. The emblems have two main functions.

In times of armed conflicts, the emblem may be used as a protective sign by: 

• Military medical services;  

• Recognized National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; 

• Civilian medical institutions authorized by the government; 

• Other voluntary relief societies authorized by the government to carry out their activities. They operate under the same conditions as the National Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal Societies.

Unauthorized use and misuse of the emblems:

• Imitation, that is, the use of a symbol that, because of its shape and/or color, can be confused with one of the emblems.

• Use by unauthorized persons or entities (businesses, pharmacies, private practitioners, nongovernmental organizations, etc.) or for purposes that are inconsistent with the Fundamental Principles of the Movement.

• The use of the distinctive emblem during armed conflicts to protect combatants and military equipment and to mislead the enemy.