The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Emblems

The Movement has three globally recognized emblems—the Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and the Red Crystal.

They are symbols of assistance in times of conflict and disaster. Our emblems have worldwide recognition in national and international law under the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols. These are the international treaties containing the most important rules limiting the barbarity of war. The Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems date back to the 1800s. Though neither emblem has any religious association, the Red Crystal emblem was created in 2005 for states wishing to avoid any perceptions of religious significance.

The Movement works together to protect these emblems against misuse and abuse. It is essential they stand unchallenged as symbols of  neutral and independent assistance at all times, guaranteeing protection in times of conflict and disaster. Governments have also accepted an obligation to prevent their misuse and abuse, which in many countries can lead to prosecution. It is responsibility of Governments to ensure respect for the emblem.


The Red Cross: Adopted under the original Geneva Convention of 1864. Its design is an inversion of the Swiss flag, recognizing the historic connection between Switzerland and the riginal Geneva Convention


The Red Crescent: Created during the late 1800s to avoid perceived religious connotations of the Red Cross emblem in certain countries. It was formally recognized in the updated Geneva Convention of 1929


The Red Crystal: Created during the late 1800s to avoid perceived religious connotations of the Red Cross emblem in certain countries. It was formally recognized in the updated Geneva Convention of 1929.

Our emblems are crucial to the work of the Red Cross Movement as it informs all parties in areas where we are operating, that we are a completely neutral entity whose sole purpose in that location is to render humanitarian aid to the vulnerable, regardless of their affiliations. The emblems are a symbol of protection that international law gives to the wounded and sick, and those caring for them, in armed conflict. They are a symbol of protection and a sign that help is at hand. They are also a sign of hope, and must be respected.

It is important that there be no unauthorised use of the Red Cross emblem as this can result in the integrity of the emblem being compromised.