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A red cross on a white ground, protected under the Geneva Conventions.
Also known as: Geneva cross, Red Cross symbol
A red cross on white marks people, vehicles and buildings that must not be attacked in armed conflict. It is a protective emblem defined by treaty, not a medical logo, and displaying it without authority is an offence — which is why a first-aid kit sold in a shop lawfully shows a green cross instead.
A protective emblem under the Geneva Conventions. Displayed on medical personnel, units and transports in armed conflict, it signals that they may not be attacked.
Contexts: Medicine
Its use is restricted in law. Outside the authorised humanitarian and military-medical uses, displaying it is a misuse of a protected emblem — which most commercial first-aid packaging avoids by using a green or white cross instead.
Adopted in 1864 as the inverse of the flag of Switzerland, in honour of the country where the first Geneva Convention was signed. It carries no religious meaning, a point the Movement has stated repeatedly.
An upright cross with four arms of equal length and width, red on a plain white ground.
A red cross is a treaty-protected emblem and may not be used commercially. A green cross marks a pharmacy in much of Europe and carries no such protection.
The two emblems have identical legal status; which is used depends on the national society displaying it.