Joint
press release: Additional emblem for the International Red Cross and
Red Crescent Movement
8
December 2005
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 further information, or to set up interviews,
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 (Under ‘Focus’) and www.ifrc.org/emblem (under
‘Who we are’)
Note to print and AV media: the design of the additional emblem can
be found on the above websites
The Geneva-based International Federation
promotes the humanitarian activities of 183 National Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international
disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent
and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies
and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute
the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
© International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
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