22 June 2007: Australian Red Cross has provided a written submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties inquiry relating to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Emblem (Protocol III)--see more information below under the heading 'adoption of the red crystal'. Protocol III recognises a third distinctive emblem; the red crystal which has the exclusively humanitarian objective of enhancing the protection of victims and humanitarian aid providers in time of conflict. Recognition of this new emblem does not require National Societies to change their use of either the red cross or red crescent emblems. Australian Red Cross will continue to use the red cross emblem, and our name and logo remains the same. We will continue to promote an awareness of the three emblems and to encourage respect and understanding of their crucial humanitarian objective.

Using the Red Cross Emblem

This means that those who wear or work under the emblems are to be protected at all times. Protected persons include medical personnel, medical equipment such as hospitals and ambulances, chaplains attached to military forces and humanitarian workers including red cross red crescent delegates.

Australian Red Cross recognises that circumstances in some parts of the world necessitate the adoption of either the red crescent or the red crystal, however such concerns do not exist in Australia. Australian Red Cross has always and will continue to use the red cross emblem and be known as the Australian Red Cross.

In Australia the red cross and red crescent emblems are protected by the Geneva Conventions Act 1957. The emblems cannot be used without first obtaining the express permission of the Minister for Defence.

As well as the protective purpose of the emblems, National Societies such as Australian Red Cross can use the emblem in peacetime to indicate that a person or object is linked to the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and works in accordance with the Movement's Fundamental Principles.

History of the Emblems

The three protected emblems are not intended to have any religious, cultural, ethnic or political significance. The red cross emblem, the first to be identified as a symbol of protection, was chosen as the reverse of the flag of the Swiss Confederation in recognition of the Swiss neutrality, and the Swiss government role in the adoption of the first Geneva Convention. However, the red cross emblem was interpreted by some Muslim countries as reflecting the Christian cross. In 1929, this led to the adoption of the red crescent emblem as an additional protective emblem for use in times of conflict.

Notwithstanding the formal neutral status of both emblems, some States and other groups still viewed the emblems as having religious or other connotations. 

Adoption of the red crystal Following a diplomatic conference held in Geneva in December 2005, States voted to adopt an additional and final protective emblem that was free of any perceived religious or cultural connotations. The additional emblem, known as the red crystal, appears as a red frame in the shape of a square on edge, on a white background.

The red crystal is afforded the same protections and respect as the red cross and the red crescent.

Recognition of the 'red crystal' is contained in a third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions, which came into force on January 14, 2007.  Australian Red Cross strongly supports Australia ratifying Additional Protocol III and incorporating recognition of the emblem into domestic legislation, and has made a submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties regarding Australia’s proposed ratification of APIII [PDF file: 2.1Mb].

The adoption of the additional emblem offers new possibilities for the identification of members of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in situations where the neutrality of the existing emblems is not sufficiently respected, or has been misunderstood. It will improve protection for all those who may need it, be they the beneficiaries of humanitarian aid, or our delegates who strive to deliver that aid in the most difficult of circumstances. In addition it will allow those relief Societies that are unable to use the existing emblems to join the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as equal and full members.

The Power of Humanity Logo

At the top of the logo are the two internationally recognised emblems of the movement. Underneath them the wording RED CROSS RED CRESCENT reinforces the visual message and links the emblems with the global network of Red Cross Red Crescent working to protect and assist the most vulnerable. Through the center of the logo are the key words of the message for the millennium the power of humanity.

The deliberate juxtaposition of power an expression of strength with humanity a suggestion of compassion and sensitivity provides a timely reminder that we must combine both sides of human nature in order to make change for good.

Supporting the above message is the simple, stylized but highly graphic presentation of humanity the five figures representing the five continents of the world. Most importantly, with their arms raised in support of humanity, they suggest an optimistic view of the coming century.
The logo was launched for the start of the millennium on 8th May 1999, and appears at the heart of millennium programs, campaigns and activities.

Other Emblems used in conflict

Under international law, there are other emblems that signify or protect particular groups or sites during times of war. They are listed below.

Civil Defence Civil defence organisations protect the civilian population against the dangers presented by war and other disasters. They are responsible for ambulances and first aid, fire-fighting, emergency rescue and other essential public services, (see Chapter VI, Additional Protocol 1).
Cultural Property Under the law of armed conflict, cultural property is protected against any act of hostility (destruction, theft, requisition, confiscation, acts of reprisal, etc.). In addition, the use of cultural property in support of military action is prohibited. The distinctive emblem may be displayed on cultural property indicating to parties to a conflict of its protective status. For more information on the protection of cultural property, see the ICRC Fact Sheet.
Dangerous Forces Works and installations containing forces potentially dangerous to the civilian population such as dams or nuclear power plants may be marked by this emblem (see Article 56, Additional Protocol 1).