Red Cross to adopt Red Diamond

Fascinated to read that the International Red Cross Movement is looking to add on a Red Diamond as an authorised symbol. This is a good thing.

Almost all countries use the Red Cross. And contrary to what Reuters says this has nothing at all to do with having Christian traditions. It is simply the reverse of the Swiss flag – no more, no less.

However for several decades some countries, mainly Muslim, have used a Red Crescent as they did (wrongly) see the Red Cross as a Christian symbol. And Iran for a while even had a Red Lion with Sun as a symbol.

To complicate things further the Israel Magen David Adon Society doesn’t want to use a cross or a crescent so they have used a red shield (star) of David and not been an official member of the Red Cross Movement.

So adopting the red diamond – which has no religious significance at all – will allow Israel to join if they adopt it, and also possibly over time may lead to all countries moving to this symbol so we have one universal symbol.

Incidentally the supreme Conference of the Red Cross which makes these changes is not simply a meeting of reps from the ICRC, the IFRCRC and national red cross/crescent societies. The 192 states who have signed the Geneva Conventions participate also.

At some stage I should blog more about the Red Cross. It was a fascinating place to work and does so much good in the world. Over 300,000 staff world-wide and with a unique mission, principles and role.