Additional emblem for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
08-12-2005 News Release 05/73
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement today welcomed the decision of the Diplomatic Conference held in Geneva to adopt a Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, creating an additional emblem alongside the red cross and red crescent.
The additional emblem, known as the red crystal, will provide a comprehensive and lasting solution to the emblem question. It will appear as a red frame in the shape of a square on edge, on a white background, and is free from any religious, political or other connotation.
The Movement is grateful to the Government of Switzerland, as the depositary State to the Geneva Conventions, for its unfailing commitment to guide the process which has led to the adoption and signing of the Third Additional Protocol.
The signing of an agreement between the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the Magen David Adom (MDA) on 28 November, also contributed to the successful outcome of the Conference by defining operational arrangements that will enhance these Societies’ cooperation when carrying out their humanitarian mandate.
The signing of the Third Additional Protocol marks the end of the diplomatic process, and it is now the responsibility of the Movement to adapt its rules and procedures to the new situation.
Following the adoption of the Protocol, the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has decided to call an International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, in 2006. The Conference brings together those States that are party to the Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the 183 member Societies of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The Conference will be asked to amend the statutes of the Movement, to take into account the creation of the new emblem, in order to realize the objective of universality.
For more information, please contact:
Ian Piper, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Geneva
Tel: +41 22 730 2063 or +41 79 217 3216 (mobile)
Marie-Françoise Borel, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva
Tel: +41 22 730 4346 or +41 79 217 3345
www.icrc.org and www.ifrc.org
Note to print and AV media: the design of the additional emblem can be found on the above websites