The ICRC is fully committed to finding a solution to this situation as a matter of the utmost urgency.
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The exclusion of three National Societies from full membership of our Movement is perceived as unfair and discriminatory. Whatever the historical reasons that led to the present state of affairs, the ICRC has no doubt that it is in contradiction to the Fundamental Red Cross and Red Crescent Principles, in particular the principle of universality. Once the unity of the emblem is breached, its protective value - and hence the safety of the wounded and medical personnel - is threatened. Instead of appearing as a symbol of neutrality, the distinctive sign may be identified with one or other of the parties to the conflict.įor, over and above the provisions of the Geneva Conventions, the protective value of the emblem derives from the fact that the same sign is used by friend and foe. (f) Finally and most seriously, the coexistence of two emblems - or even three, if the Israeli reservation is taken into account - weakens their protective force, in particular when two opposing parties use different emblems. In the event of civil war, there is the risk that the Society might split up and its relief work be paralysed. This will impede its ability to develop its operational capacity.
However great the efforts made by the National Society to serve the whole population, it will be identified with the community suggested by its emblem. (e) The coexistence of two emblems at the international level causes many problems in countries where different religious communities live together. Over the years, the ICRC has received others, and the risk of proliferation cannot be ignored.
(d) The coexistence of two emblems at the international level is an open invitation to further splits. This situation has lasted too long and must be remedied. Whatever the reasons, the National Societies of Israel, Kazakhstan and Eritrea have for many years been unable to join our Movement as full members. The same applies to Eritrea, although this country is not yet party to the Geneva Conventions. Since the population of Kazakhstan is almost equally divided between Christians and Muslims, the country's parliament decided to use the double emblem of the red cross and red crescent, whereas the Geneva Conventions and the Statutes of our Movement provide for use of either the red cross or the red crescent. The Kazakh Red Crescent and Red Cross Society was in the same position. Consequently the Magen David Adom in Israel, which has been in existence for 70 years and provides remarkable humanitarian services, could not become a full member of our Movement. (c) The present situation undermines the universality of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, since the majority of the Israeli population feels - for compelling reasons - that it cannot identify with either the red cross or the red crescent, whereas the Movement's Statutes require each and every National Society to use one or other of those emblems. (b) The coexistence of two emblems is at odds with the principle of unity of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and bears within it the seeds of division. (a) It may legitimately be asked whether the current situation is truly consistent with the principle of equality which should govern international relations, since some States and National Societies can easily identify with either the red cross or the red crescent, while other States and National Societies cannot. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has the highest respect for the protective value and symbolic significance of the emblems used by our Movement however, we also recognize that the present situation with regard to those emblems has serious drawbacks which we have to address. Madam President, distinguished delegates,įirst of all I would like to express my gratitude to you, Madam President, for having convened this very important meeting, and to the Government experts and National Society specialists who have agreed to join us in order to help solve a most sensitive issue which has been a source of major concern to our Movement for many years. Address by François Bugnion, Director of International Law and Communication, International Committee of the Red Cross
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