Adopting the additional emblem

1. How was the Third Additional Protocol adopted?

The diplomatic conference which considered the draft Third Additional Protocol was held against the background of a memorandum of understanding signed by Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The two Societies, neither of which was at the time a member of the Movement, wanted to build their own cooperation to pave the way for both to become members.After a debate which included reference to some issues unrelated to the Protocol itself, but which were of clear concern in the region, the proposal to adopt the draft Protocol was put to a vote. A two-thirds majority of those present and voting was required, and 78% voted positively.

By mid July 2006, 72 States had signed the Protocol, two had ratified it and several other governments were well advanced with their parliamentary ratification processes. The Protocol will formally enter into force, therefore, on 14 January 2007.

2. Amending the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement?

After the Protocol was adopted, it was necessary to adapt the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to ensure the additional emblem could be used within the Movement. An International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, which brings together States party to the Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and its member Societies, took place from 20 to 22 June 2006. After a vote, the Conference adopted the three points of the proposed resolution, namely, to amend the Movement’s Statutes, to designate the additional emblem as the 'red crystal' and to request the ICRC and the International Federation to recognize and admit the Palestine Red Crescent into the Movement as a full member.

3. Who decides to recognize and admit new members to the Movement?

In order to be recognized by the ICRC, a National Society has to fulfill ten conditions laid down in the Movement’s Statutes. Once recognized, the society can apply for membership of the International Federation. The Federation's General Assembly decides on admission to its membership.

Advice to the ICRC and the Federation as to whether an applicant society meets the ten conditions of recognition is provided by a joint committee of experts.

On 22 June 2006, at the closing of the 29th International Conference, ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger formally announced the recognition of both the Magen David Adom in Israel and the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

The International Federation General Assembly convened immediately at the request of President Juan Manuel Suárez del Toro and the two National Societies were admitted as full members by acclamation.