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International Committee of the Red Cross

source; image by Alvin Heims, 29 Nov 1999

About

Proposal for a new symbol
Variant symbol
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

About

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent, neutral organization that provides humanitarian assistance and protection to victims of war and armed violence. During situations of conflict, the ICRC is responsible for directing and coordinating the Movement's international relief activities. It also promotes the importance of international humanitarian law and draws attention to universal humanitarian principles. As the custodian of the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has a permanent mandate under international law to visit prisons, organize relief operations, reunite separated families and undertake other humanitarian activities during armed conflicts. The ICRC also works to meet the needs of internally displaced persons (IDP's), raise public awareness of the dangers of mines and explosive remnants of war and trace people who have gone missing during conflicts. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) was founded on May 5, 1919 as the League of Red Cross Societies in Paris in the aftermath of World War I. The war had shown a need for close cooperation between Red Cross Societies, which, through their humanitarian activities on behalf of prisoners of war and combatants, had attracted millions of volunteers and built a large body of expertise. A devastated Europe could not afford to lose such a resource. It was Henry Davison, president of the American Red Cross War Committee, who proposed forming a federation of these National Societies. An international medical conference initiated by Davison resulted in the birth of the League of Red Cross Societies, which was renamed in October 1983 to the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and then in November 1991 to become the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The five founding member Societies: Britain, France, Italy, Japan and the United States. (Source)
Esteban Rivera, 04 February 2022

Proposal for a new symbol

image by ND, 13 September 2005

As per the daily Swiss paper "24 Heures" of yesterday the International Committee of the Red Cross is planning a new flag. This new one is to avoid distinction between Christians and Muslims. As you can see, the project is very simple for everyone and without any distinctive religious items.
ND, 13 September 2005

I believe this has been under discussion for some time- at least five years. It's more often referred to as the Red Diamond.
Nathan Lamm, 13 September 2005

Variant symbol

image by Ivan Sache, 10 March 2006

The magazine "Géo" (171, May 1993) shows a picture taken in Somalia during a mission of the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross). A truck embarking food on a beach is identified with a white square flag charged with the red cross and the black letters I C R C in the "cantons" of the cross. Another picture shows a similar emblem painted on the white wall on the hospital of Keysaney, Somalia.
Ivan Sache, 10 March 2006

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

image located by Esteban Rivera, 04 February 2022

"The International Red Cross and Red Crescent (IRCRC) Movement is the largest humanitarian network. A global initiative of more than 90 million people (volunteers and staff) that helps those facing disaster, conflict and health and social problems. It consists of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. As partners, the different members of the Movement support communities in becoming stronger and safer through a variety of development projects and humanitarian activities. The Movement also works in cooperation with governments, donors and other aid organizations to assist vulnerable people around the world. The ICRC, the Federation and the National Societies are independent bodies. Each has its own individual status and exercises no authority over the others." The Movement logo consists of the red cross and red crescent emblems side by side, together with the words “International” and “Movement.” in the official six languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Also, The Movement logo does not replace the logos of the ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies or National Societies. It will not be used for operational activities, so it will not be used on items like uniforms, vehicles, equipment or buildings, nor on materials distributed to people affected by armed conflict, disasters or any humanitarian work. (Source)
Esteban Rivera, 04 February 2022