A Peruvian Red Cross volunteer comforting a victim of a mudslide caused by El Niño – In use since the nineteenth century, the red cross and red crescent emblems are universal symbols of assistance for victims of armed conflicts and natural disasters. They serve two purposes: first, they identify aid personnel as they go about their daily tasks and, secondly, they protect them and members of the armed forces medical services during armed conflicts. The ultimate aim is to ensure that all victims receive assistance.