Red Cross EU Office: The Emblems

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Red Cross EU Office: The Emblems

The Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies uses as its "logo" two globally recognized emblems - the Red Cross and the Red Crescent - set on a white background within a red rectangle. The Federation's member National Societies use or one or other of these emblems; either the cross or the crescent.

The International Federation can use both emblems indicatively because it is neither a state nor a National Society.

Unfortunately, the emblems are sometimes perceived as having religious, cultural or political connotations. This has affected respect for the emblems especially in certain conflict situations and has diminished the protection the emblems offer to victims and to humanitarian and medical personnel.

The adoption of an additional emblem, the Red Crystal, will enable Societies that find it difficult to use either the red cross or the red crescent to become members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Find out more below.