§706a Geneva Distinctive Emblems

Summary

It is illegal to wear or show the Red Crescent, the Red Crystal (called the Third Protocol Emblem), or any look-alike sign to trick people into thinking you are with an authorized Red Crescent society, the International Committee of the Red Cross, or the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Using those emblems on a white background, using signs made or colored to look like them, or using the words “Red Crescent” or “Third Protocol Emblem” can get you fined or jailed for up to 6 months, or both. Only certain groups may use them: authorized national Red Crescent societies that belong to the International Federation and their workers, the International Committee of the Red Cross and its workers, the International Federation and its workers, and the military medical/hospital services of countries that are parties to the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Uses that were legal on or before December 8, 2005 are allowed if they would not look like they give Geneva Convention protections in time of armed conflict. The Attorney General can sue in civil court to stop violations.