The Red Cross Emblem
The Red Cross -- five, red, equal-sized squares forming a cross, resting on a white background, is one of the Red Cross Logomost recognized emblems in the world. It is also, however, one of the most poorly understood. What does it really mean?
The International Movement of the Red Cross was born on a battlefield in 1859, in Solferino, Italy. One Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, witnessed the aftermath of a grim battle that left 40,000 dead and wounded on the battlefield. There were few military or local medical services to tend to them. Horrified by what he saw, Dunant organized local villagers to care for the casualties. He ensured that victims from both sides of the conflict received water, food, and rudimentary medical attention. The impact of this experience changed Dunant's life.
Several years later, in 1864, Dunant and four other Swiss citizens organized an international conference -- the First Geneva Convention. An important result of this original conference, was the adoption of one internationally recognized symbol -- the red cross on a white background -- to mark the volunteer medical personnel and facilities of all countries to protect them from attack in times of armed conflict.
Today, the Red Cross emblem continues as an internationally recognized symbol of protection and neutrality. In peacetime, the emblem identifies people, programs and objects connected with the humanitarian activities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. (The red crescent on a white background is the equivalent symbol in Islamic countries.)
We often see the red cross emblem used as a decorative symbol on signs, in advertising or to indicate first aid stations. This may not seem like a problem, but it is wrong. Use of the emblem by commercial enterprises dilutes the impact of the symbol at home and abroad besides being against the law.
No organization -- except the Canadian Red Cross and the medical corps of the armed forces during times of armed conflict -- may use the Red Cross emblem in Canada. This use is legislated by the Geneva Conventions Act, the Trade Marks Act and the Canadian Red Cross Society Act.
The Red Cross emblem must be readily recognized and respected around the world as a trusted symbol of protection and humanitarian aid. Canadian Red Cross workers regularly give up the comfort of our privileged North American existence to help those suffering from famine, disease and war around the world. They do it in the name of the Red Cross and under the protection of its emblem. Red Cross workers carry no arms. Their only shield is the universally recognized Red Cross emblem that conveys the sense of humanity and impartiality that is embodied in the worldwide Red Cross movement.
Those of us who live without armed conflict must protect, nurture and spread knowledge of the true meaning of the Red Cross emblem. Each of us should do our small part to spread knowledge about the true significance of the Red Cross emblem. No abuse is too small to mention. Its correction may save a life.
Further information can be found in the Red Cross Emblem Brochure. (PDF, 795kb)