Red Cross Blogs

Your questions answered: The Red Crystal

By Jamie
July 22, 2009 at 1:21 pm

I noticed an uptick in online conversation about our emblem recently. Since many of the comments seemed to be a bit misinformed, I thought it might be wise to use this space to clear up any misconceptions. I reached out to one of our International Law Advisors to help clarify the issue:

The following is from Claire Clement, International Law Advisor at the British Red Cross:

You may have heard whisperings that an additional protective emblem to the red cross and red crescent has been introduced – the red crystal emblem. In fact, the red crystal was adopted by the international community back in 2005. In recent weeks, the UK Parliament has passed national legislation that recognises the red crystal emblem as having the same meaning and protected status as the red cross and red crescent in the UK. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the new additional emblem.

Q: Why do we need an additional emblem?

A: The introduction of an additional emblem was necessary for two reasons. First, there is a real concern that in certain contexts the red cross and red crescent emblems may not always be respected, despite their neutral meaning. The red crystal was introduced so that those who use the emblems, such as the medical services of the armed forces, can enhance their protection in these contexts.

Second, a small number of States and their National Societies felt unable to use the red cross or red crescent emblems, or alternatively wished to use both together, for example Israel and Eritrea. The red crystal emblem may be used by these States and, with the approval of their government, the National Society within the State. This will enable these National Societies to play their full part as members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Q: Why a “red crystal”?

A: After a thorough consultation process, the name “red crystal” and the shape itself (a square frame on its edge) were chosen because they are widely accepted as having no religious or political significance.

Q: Will the red crystal replace the red cross and red crescent emblems?

A: No. The red crystal is an additional emblem to the red cross and red crescent. All three emblems have the same neutral meaning and are protected under international and national laws.

Q: Who will use it?

A: In the UK, the red cross emblem will continue to be used. However the government may approve use of the red crystal in certain circumstances. For example, the medical services of the armed forces may be authorised to use the red crystal (or indeed, the red crescent) in situations where they feel it will provide better protection than the red cross, such as during certain international deployments.

Q: Will the British Red Cross continue to use the red cross emblem?

A: Yes. The red cross is one of the most recognisable symbols in the world, and has served the British Red Cross well since its establishment in 1876. The British Red Cross will not change its name, and will continue to use the red cross emblem to promote its own humanitarian activities. In rare cases, the British Red Cross may, with the approval of the government, choose to use the red crystal emblem for a limited time, in order to facilitate its humanitarian work.

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Tags: emblem, ihl, International, international humanitarian law, logo, q and a, red crescent, red cross, red crystal, symbol

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