Additional Protocol III to the Geneva Convention Adopted
The emblems of the Red Cross and Rec Crescent organization. Source: www.redcross.org
Finally, the idea of creating a new emblem acceptable to all National Societies and States was extended. After much debate, this idea bore fruit on December 8, 2005, when the States party to the 1949 Geneva Conventions adopted "Additional Protocol III," which established the red crystal as an approved distinctive emblem alongside the red cross and red crescent. The red crystal emblem has broadened the choice of emblems for states that have a problem with the cross or crescent. It has provided more flexibility and strengthened the protective value of the emblems, putting "an end to the proliferation of emblems" ("Emblems"). It is a device of protection as well as indication, showing that the person or object has a link with the red cross movement. All three emblems may be used as protective devices, and Protocol III stipulates that medical and religious personnel of a state's armed forces can use any of the three without restriction.
Approved Use of the Red Cross Emblem
During times of armed conflict, the three emblems can be used "for protection" by any medical and religious personnel of armed forces, as well as by medical personnel and units/transports of National Societies placed at the services of armed forces. In addition, civilian hospitals, medical units, facilities, and voluntary relief societies can use it when assigned to the treatment and transport of the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked. During times of peace, the red crystal can be used with the authorities' consent by medical and religious personnel of the armed forces as well as by medical facilities and transports functioning as National Society facilities during armed conflict. Use "for identification" is limited in times of armed conflict for the National Societies, the International Federation, and the ICRC, but in times of peace the emblems can be used by bodies, persons, or things connected with one of the three, as well as "ambulances and first-aid stations exclusively assigned to providing free treatment to the wounded and sick, as an exceptional measure, in conformity with national legislation and with the express authorization of the National Society." In addition to these guidelines, the symbols of individual National Societies can be put in the center of the red crystal in their home territories ("Protocol").