What are the protective emblems? How are they protected under the IHL?

Protective emblems are distinctive symbols used to identify and protect medical and religious personnel, facilities, and vehicles during armed conflict. They serve as visual indicators of the non-combatant status of these entities and signal their immunity from attack under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The two primary protective emblems recognized under IHL are the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, along with the recently introduced Red Crystal emblem.

1. Red Cross: The Red Cross emblem, consisting of a red cross on a white background, is the most widely recognized protective emblem. It is used by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, and other affiliated organizations engaged in humanitarian activities. The Red Cross emblem signifies the neutrality, impartiality, and humanitarian mission of these entities, including medical personnel, hospitals, and medical transports.

2. Red Crescent: The Red Crescent emblem, consisting of a red crescent on a white background, serves as an alternative protective emblem used by national societies in predominantly Muslim countries where the Red Cross symbol may be culturally sensitive. Like the Red Cross emblem, the Red Crescent signifies the non-combatant status of medical and religious personnel and facilities and is afforded the same protections under IHL.

3. Red Crystal: In addition to the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems, the Red Crystal emblem was introduced in 2005 to provide an additional protective symbol that is culturally and politically neutral. The Red Crystal, a red frame in the shape of a square standing on one corner, serves the same purpose as the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems and is used by organizations that prefer not to use either of the traditional symbols.

Protective emblems are protected under IHL through several key provisions:

1. Prohibition of Misuse: IHL prohibits the misuse of protective emblems, including their unauthorized use by parties to the conflict or their use to shield military personnel, equipment, or installations from attack. Misuse of protective emblems undermines their effectiveness and compromises the safety and security of medical and religious personnel and facilities.

2. Respect and Recognition: Parties to the conflict are obligated to respect and recognize the protective emblems of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal, along with their affiliated personnel, facilities, and vehicles. This includes refraining from attacking, damaging, or interfering with the activities of entities displaying these emblems.

3. Duty to Protect: Parties to the conflict have a duty to take all feasible precautions to protect medical and religious personnel, facilities, and vehicles bearing protective emblems from attack, interference, or harm. This duty extends to providing safe passage and unhindered access to medical and religious personnel engaged in humanitarian activities.

4. Identification and Marking: Medical and religious personnel, facilities, and vehicles are required to clearly display the appropriate protective emblem to ensure their identification and protection under IHL. Emblems must be easily recognizable and distinguishable from other symbols used in armed conflict.

Overall, the protection of protective emblems under IHL is essential for safeguarding the neutrality, impartiality, and humanitarian mission of medical and religious personnel and facilities during armed conflict, ensuring their safety and enabling them to carry out their life-saving activities without fear of attack or interference.