19th anniversary of the adoption of the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions

On this day, the Ukrainian Red Cross, together with other Red Cross Societies, wishes to draw attention to its ongoing collaboration in preventing the improper use of the red cross emblem by engaging in a one-day cross-border campaign to protect the emblem on social media.

The Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal are recognized under the Geneva Conventions as symbols of neutrality and protection in armed conflicts. They provide protection for medical personnel and chaplains of armed forces and indicate the affiliation of individuals or objects with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. These are symbols of hope, but also of great responsibility. Any improper use of the emblem undermines its protection, causing it to become commonplace, merely another symbol.

During the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Red Cross has observed over 100 cases of cross-border misuse of the emblem. Both foreign and local companies, as well as organizations providing humanitarian assistance, engaged in evacuating, rescuing animals, and other volunteer services, misuse the emblems, including by placing them on their vehicles.

Any improper use of the emblem weakens its protective value and undermines respect for it during armed conflicts. This is a real threat to thousands of doctors, paramedics, and volunteers who risk their lives to save people affected by the conflict. Let us work together to ensure that the red cross, red crescent, and red crystal remain neutral symbols of assistance and protect those who need it most.

We appeal to everyone to appreciate the significance of the red cross emblem and help us remind that the use of protected emblems is strictly regulated and all abuses must be prevented. Therefore, let us not use it on our own.