Red Crystal Joins Cross and Crescent

December 8, 2005

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4508858.stm

On December 8, 2005 BBC News reported, "A diamond-shaped red crystal on a white background is to join the Red Cross and the Red Crescent as an emblem for ambulances and relief workers. Geneva Convention member states voted by a two-thirds majority for the symbol, ending a decades-old row and opens the way for Israel to join. Israel had been denied entry because its Red Shield was not approved. Relief workers and ambulances bearing the Red Cross or Red Crescent symbols are protected under international law. A spokesman for the Swiss government told reporters it was unfortunate that the crystal had not been adopted by consensus. The Red Shield of David - or Magen David Adom - was not recognised by the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and Arab states had blocked attempts to find an alternative symbol. The new 'crystal' - a hollow red diamond on a white background - is regarded as being free from religious, national or cultural connotations. Israel has said it is ready to use it for missions outside the country's borders - as set down by the Geneva Conventions."

See also: Civic, International