The International Red Crescent flag features a simple yet highly recognizable design: a red crescent symbol centered on a white background. The red color represents protection, humanitarian aid, and neutrality in times of conflict, while the crescent emblem has long been associated with societies in the Muslim world. The symbol was first used by volunteers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) during the armed conflict between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire in 1876–1878. It was officially adopted as an internationally recognized protective emblem in 1929. Like the Red Cross emblem, which is derived from a color reversal of the Swiss flag, the Red Crescent is presented as a color reversal of the former Ottoman flag, emphasizing its neutral and humanitarian nature rather than any religious meaning.
The Red Crescent flag is used to identify medical personnel, humanitarian workers, and facilities that provide neutral and impartial aid during wars, disasters, and emergencies. It represents national Red Crescent societies and the broader International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks. The emblem signals protection under international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, and must be respected by all parties in conflict. Today, 33 countries officially recognize and use the Red Crescent as their protective symbol. The organization works globally to provide disaster relief, medical assistance, blood donation services, and support for vulnerable communities, regardless of nationality, race, or religion.
- The Red Crescent flag (Arabic: علم الهلال الأحمر; Turkish: Kızılay bayrağı; Persian: پرچم هلال احمر; French: Le drapeau du Croissant-Rouge; Spanish: La bandera de la Media Luna Roja; German: Die Flagge des Roten Halbmonds; Russian: Флаг Красного Полумесяца; Indonesian: Bendera Bulan Sabit Merah; Urdu: سرخ ہلال کا پرچم), GIF
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