Misuse of Red Cross Emblem

The Red Cross emblem – five, red, equal-sized squares forming a cross, resting on a white background, is one of the most recognized emblems in the world. It is also, however, one of the most poorly understood.

The Red Cross emblem was used on the cover and in the feature article of the May 2009 edition of Canadian Underwriter. We often see the red cross emblem used as a decorative symbol on signs, in advertising or to indicate first aid stations. This may not seem like a problem but it is wrong and against Canadian and international law.

The Red Cross is an international symbol for protection, recognized around the world. Every day, Red Cross personnel work in regions of armed conflict, disasters and health emergencies. Their ability to carry out their humanitarian missions safely and protect people in their care depends on universal acceptance of the emblem as a sign of Red Cross neutrality and protection. Unauthorized use of the emblem contributes to confusion over what it represents and can put lives at risk. To prevent this, Canada and other states that are signatories to the Geneva Conventions agree to protect the emblem and restrict its use to official Red Cross organizations and programs, as well as the medical and religious services of their armed forces.

No organization — except the Canadian Red Cross and the medical corps of the armed forces — may use the Red Cross emblem in Canada. This use is legislated by the Geneva Conventions Act, the Trade Marks Act and the Canadian Red Cross Society Act.

If using a first aid symbol to depict health and wellness, international and Canadian organizations responsible for standards recommend a white cross on a green background.

Your help in assisting us in educating Canadians as to the nature of the Red Cross emblem and with our humanitarian mission is greatly appreciated. We thank you for taking the emblem down from your Web site, removing it from your digital edition and appreciate your ongoing commitment to respecting its proper use in the future.