Red Cross Crescent Crystal

This is an old story, but updated. Back in December the Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations came under fire because their logos were seen as "religious". To my mind the red cross logo wasn't really "Christian", but that may just be me. Anyway the Red Crystal is now being adopted as a logo of a completely impartial, non-threatening nature. It looks good and is easily recognized although not yet as a medical/emergency response sign.

The new third symbol proposed for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movements would offer 'greater protection' for all who might use it, it was claimed Tuesday.

The Swiss Foreign Minister, Micheline Calmy-Rey, said the introduction of the red crystal would end a long running debate on the emblems used by the movement.

It would also pave the way for new members, in particular the Magen David Adom Society in Israel and the International Federation of the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

'The possibility of national organizations being able to turn, without any prejudice towards the existing symbols, to a new emblem, free of all religious, national, political or ethnic connotation can only strengthen the protection owed to all victims of conflicts,' Calmy-Rey told delegates at the Movement's International Conference

The red crystal, which appears as a red frame in the shape of a square on its edge, on a white background, was chosen in December and is expected to be fully endorsed during the two day meeting.

In time I'm sure it will take on the same meaning to people as the cross and crescent have today. A sign of a non-aggressive group out to help.

(read more)