Statement by The American Red Cross Regarding the Swiss Government Announcement to Convene a Diplomatic Conference by The End of the Year

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, September 14, 2005 — The American Red Cross is pleased that the Swiss Government has announced it intends to convene a Diplomatic Conference by the end of the year to consider adopting a Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions. The Third Additional Protocol would create an additional protective emblem called the "Red Crystal" for use in conflicts where the existing Red Cross or Red Crescent emblem may be perceived as having cultural, religious, political or historical connotations. In addition, the protocol would also pave the way for Magen David Adom (MDA), the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross and the Red Cross Society of Eritrea to become full voting members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. MDA is currently denied membership in the Federation because it uses the Red Shield or Star of David which is not explicitly referenced in the Geneva Conventions.

"We view this announcement as a positive step toward reaching universality for the Red Cross Movement," said Marty Evans, Red Cross President and CEO. "We are hopeful that a Diplomatic Conference will adopt the Third Additional Protocol thereby paving the way for MDA to become a full voting member of the Movement."