Protocol III was amended in the year 2005 to the Geneva Conventions. It is related to the acceptance of an additional distinguishing emblem. This protective sign (emblem) may be used by the religious and medical personnel during the war. People wearing this protective sign or emblem are performing a humanitarian service to the wounded and must be respected and protected by all parties to the conflict.
Around 19th century when the use of new weapons had become more aggressive, it was not safe for the medical personnel to perform the humanitarian service on the battle field. For medical personnel, it was very difficult to collect the injured for the treatment, during the war. There was a need to differentiate between medical staff from the enemy soldiers, to make it easier for commanding officers to protect them. Allowing each nation to build up its own protective sign would lead to the confusion. Therefore, the particular impartial emblem was used.
According to the First Geneva Convention of 1864, unique emblem should be used by the combat medic (medical personnel) on the battle field. At that time, the chosen emblem was a Red Cross on a white background. Muslim nations have rejected this symbol, due to its similarity to the Christian Cross. Many symbols have been projected, including Red Shield of David by Magen David Adom of Israel, the Red Lion and the Sun of Persia, the double emblem by the Red Cross Society of Eritrea, and the Red Crescent by the Ottoman Empire.In 2005, they finally attained a solution to these complexities. Magen David Adom has been given protections under the Conventions as long as they show the Red Crystal as the emblem in the international conflicts.
According to Article 2, the Red Crystal, the Red Cross, and the Red Crescent may be used as the emblem during the war.
Two things are common for all the three emblems:
- Indicative use: Members of the humanitarian movements may use this emblem during the conflict as well as during the times of peace.
- Protective use: Religious and medical personnel may mark themselves, their buildings, vehicles and ships.
