Here is a breakdown of why it was created and what it does.

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1. The Emblem: The Red Crystal

 

 

Before this protocol, the only officially recognized emblems for protection in war were the Red Cross and the Red Crescent.

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• The Symbol: The Third Protocol introduced a neutral symbol composed of a red frame in the shape of a square on edge (a diamond shape) on a white background.

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• Legal Status: The Red Crystal has the exact same legal status as the Red Cross and Red Crescent. It provides the same protection to military medical services and humanitarian relief workers in armed conflicts.

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2. Why was it needed?

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The primary goal was to ensure neutrality and universality.

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• Religious/Political Neutrality: While the Red Cross and Red Crescent are intended to be neutral, they are often associated with Christianity and Islam, respectively. This could be dangerous for aid workers operating in conflicts where these religious symbols might provoke hostility. The Red Crystal is designed to be free of any religious, political, or cultural connotation.

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• Inclusion (Israel): The protocol allowed Israel's national aid society, Magen David Adom, to join the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Israel uses the Red Star of David, which was not recognized as an official international protective symbol under the original conventions. Under the Third Protocol, Magen David Adom can use the Red Crystal internationally (or place the Star of David inside the Red Crystal for indicative purposes).