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1.
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What is the Red Cross
Emblem?
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It is an emblem which is
used by those belonging to the Red Cross Movement and Army Medical Services
who are involved in humanitarian work mainly in times of armed conflicts and
natural disasters. It is not the
emblem of medical professions and its use is regulated by international and
national laws.
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2.
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Why was the Red Cross
emblem, adopted in 1864 at the First Diplomatic Conference at Geneva?
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During the Diplomatic
Conference in 1864, Red Cross was adopted as the neutral sign to identify
and protect the relief medical committees and the army medical services. It
was adopted to facilitate access to the wounded soldiers and other victims of
war so that much needed assistance could reach them.
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3.
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What is the significance
of the Red Cross Emblem?
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After adoption at the
Geneva Conventions, the Red Cross emblem has become a universally known and
legally sanctified neutral sign to identify the people with protected
status in the situations of armed conflict, i.e. the armed forces medical
units, the chaplains and the relief committees. They are in the battlefield
exclusively for the amelioration of the condition of the wounded and sick
soldiers and other victims of war, and are protected from all kinds of
hostile military action under International Humanitarian Law. This symbol of
Red Cross is expected to stimulate a reflex of restraint and respect from the
combatants in the battle field. Use and repression of misuse of Red Cross
emblem is regulated by international and national laws. When the components
of the Red Cross Movement use this emblem, it signifies the seven fundamental
principles which underlie their humanitarian and relief activities in
situations of armed conflicts and natural disasters.
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4.
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Who are the authorised
users?
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The military medical
services, their personnel, units, installations and means of transport.
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·
International Committee of the Red Cross ( ICRC)
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The International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (The Federation)
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National Societies +
India C+ National Societies
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First aid centres that
offer totally free medical assistance and are authorised by the national
society.
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5.
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Is there misuse of the
emblem in India and if yes, by whom?
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Like many other countries
of the world, the Red Cross emblem is also misused in India by many
unauthorised users. Experience shows
that most often persons and institutions which abuse the emblem are:
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Government medical
institutions like hospitals, dispensaries, clinics and blood banks.
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Members of medical,
dental and nursing associations.
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Private pharmaceuticals
companies, their staff and products.
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Private clinics, hospitals and nursing homes.
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Traditional healers and
herbalists.
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·
Organisations operating
ambulance services.
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