The red and white cross or crescent on a white background, is one of the most recognized emblems in the world. As an international sign of neutrality and protection, it also symbolizes the Movement’s seven Fundamental Principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

Not so well known, is the fact that the use of this emblem is protected by an international treaty and in Cambodian, its use and protection is restricted law.

The existence of these laws are significantly valuable not only for CRC but for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world who are still in the process to have one national law which strengthens the legal base and mandate of the National Society in the country.

Through the process of accomplishing the law, CRC gained significant experiences and were able to share their best practice with Sister Societies, in particular, with those in Central and Southeast Asia.

“This achievement sets an important example for other humanitarian player. This process sets a great vision for other humanitarian organizations; it shows very clearly that formal relationships can be built with governments, ultimately benefiting the people they are mandated to help” said Antony Spalton, Head of the Federation in Cambodia.

History of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Emblem

1828	May 8: Jean-Henri Durant is born in Geneva, Switzerland.
1851	June 24: The Battle of Soferino. Jean-Henri Dunant is present and helps to relieve the suffering of the wounded.
1861-1865	The Civil War. Clara Barton becomes interested in welfare work for prisoners and wounded.
1862	Jean-Henri Dunant’s book, A Memory of Solferino, is published. In it, he puts forward ways of helping the wounded in wartime.
1863	Feb 17: The first meeting of the Committee of Five, formed to give support to Dunant’s ideas, takes place in Geneva.
1864	Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field, Geneva, 22 August 1864: Adoption of a flag and of an armlet bearing a red cross on a white ground, the first one for hospitals, ambulances and evacuation parties, the second one for the personnel enjoying neutrality.
1910	Oct 30: Jean-Henri Dunant dies, in Switzerland, at age eighty-two.
1919	The League (now the International Federation) of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies is founded.
1929	Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies in the Field, Geneva, 27 July 1929: Preservation of the heraldic emblem of the red cross on a white ground, formed by reversing the Federal colours of the Swiss flag, and autorization of the use of the red crescent or the red lion and sun on a white ground.
1949	Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field, Geneva, 12 August 1949: Preservation of the red cross, the red crescent and the red lion and sun.
1977	A diplomatic conference in Geneva adopts two Protocols giving further protection to civilians in time of war and to victims and participants in internal conflicts.
1980	The Islamic Republic of Iran announces that it adoptes the red crescent as their distinctive sign, instead of the red lion and sun.
1990-1991	Gulf War, the movement’s activities include refugee relief, protection of civilians, medical assistance, prisoner of war exchanges, food and water distribution.
2005	December 5 Official Statement: Diplomatic Conference on the adoption of a Third Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions. An additional emblem – the red crystal alongside the red cross and red crescent.