REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON THE USE AND PROTECTION OF THE RED CROSS EMBLEM

The International Committee of the Red Cross organized a regional workshop on the use and protection of the emblem of the Red Cross in Sarajevo in the period of May 22-23, 2024. Representatives of national societies of the Red Cross, ICRC and IFRC took part in the workshop.

The representatives of the Red Cross of RNM presented that in 1993 our country signed the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977 (I and II). The use and protection of the emblem is regulated by the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocols of 1977 (I and II), and the Additional Protocol of 2005 (III) related to the use of the new emblem – Red Crystal.

In our country, the use and protection of the Red Cross emblem is regulated in the Law on the Red Cross of the RNM and the Rules for the Use and Protection of the Red Cross Emblem of the Red Cross of RNM, which are in accordance with the International Rules of the Movement for the Use of the Emblem, dated 1965 and revised in 1991.

Any use of the emblem not expressly authorized by IHL and domestic law constitutes misuse. The misuse of the emblem for protective purposes during war threatens the system of protection conferred by IHL. The misuse of the emblem for indicative purposes undermines the image in the eyes of the public and consequently reduces its protective power during an armed conflict. Each state signatory to the Geneva Conventions has the obligation to take measures to prevent and punish any misuse of the emblem at any time and must specifically adopt a regulation for the protection of the emblem.

It was emphasized that the Republic of North Macedonia has ratified a large number of conventions related to IHL, which is also due to the activity of the National Committee on IHL based in the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia, which initiates the harmonization of national with the international legislation.

At the workshop, it was concluded that the national societies of the Red Cross, in cooperation with the relevant ministries, should initiate the ratification of international agreements related to IHL, and in particular, take action on the misuse of the Red Cross emblem in accordance with domestic and international regulations.