Liana Ghukasyan’s 23-year journey with the Red Cross began unexpectedly, when she recognised the emblem from her childhood in Armenia, where it symbolised hope during a devastating earthquake. This moment inspired her lifelong commitment to humanitarian work. In this article, she explores the emblem’s profound meaning, its legal protection, and why respecting it is crucial to safeguarding the lives of aid workers and communities.

I often describe myself as an “accidental humanitarian.” My journey with the Red Cross began 23 years ago, not as part of a calculated plan, but through a moment of profound recognition. While passing by a Red Cross building, I saw the emblem—a simple yet powerful symbol that stirred childhood memories. It was the same emblem I had seen on television during the devastating earthquake in Armenia. In those dark times, the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies brought hope, aid, and solidarity to the affected people in my country. For a child witnessing this, the emblem became a beacon of humanity, a symbol of the world’s collective compassion in the face of suffering.

That moment of recognition led me into the building, eager to learn more about the organisation that had left such a lasting impression on me. I was introduced to the life-changing humanitarian work of the Red Cross, and they welcomed me as a volunteer. For a young person eager to contribute to the betterment of the world, this was an opportunity beyond measure. I joined the Red Cross, and what followed has been 23 years of an incredible journey—one that has shaped who I am and defined the principles I stand for.

A Legacy of Hope and Protection Across Borders

The story of the emblem begins with Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman who, after witnessing the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino, organized local villagers to provide aid, regardless of the soldiers’ nationalities. Later, Dunant’s vision led to the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863, and with it, the adoption of a universal emblem—a red cross on a white background.

The Red Cross emblem, and later the Red Crescent emblem, are protected under international humanitarian law, specifically the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. As we mark the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, it is important to reflect on how these agreements have shaped the course of modern humanitarian law. Ratified by nearly every country in the world, the Conventions impose obligations on governments and all the parties to armed conflicts to respect and protect the emblem.

The misuse of these emblems or attacks on those who bear them constitute serious violations of international law. Such actions not only jeopardize the lives of humanitarian aid workers but also undermine the entire framework of humanitarian aid, putting countless lives at risk.

The emblem of the Red Cross and Red Crescent holds a power that is both profound and universal. It is a symbol of hope in the most hopeless situations, a bridge between people who may share no common language, culture, or blood, but who are united in their shared humanity. The emblem stands as a testament to the idea that humanity should prevail, even in the face of unimaginable adversity. It is meant to be a shield for those who deliver aid and for those who need it—an assurance that compassion and care will be provided without discrimination, even amidst the chaos of conflict.

However, for the emblem to fulfill its sacred purpose, it is imperative that governments, stakeholders, and all parties to conflict respect and protect it. Tragically, this respect is not always granted. In recent years, we have witnessed an alarming increase in the targeting of humanitarian aid workers, despite their neutral and impartial mission. The emblem, meant to be a symbol of protection, is being violated, and those who wear it—our Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff—are increasingly at risk. When this emblem is ignored, or worse, deliberately targeted, it not only endangers their lives but also undermines the very essence of humanitarian aid.

Protecting the Emblem in an Increasingly Complex World

Given the increasing threats faced by humanitarian workers, it is crucial that specific actions be taken to protect the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems.

First, governments must enforce stricter penalties for the misuse of the emblem and for attacks on humanitarian personnel.

Second, they must engage in more robust education and training programs for military and security forces to ensure that the emblems are recognized and respected in the field.

Finally, there must be a concerted international effort to reaffirm the neutrality of humanitarian workers and the inviolability of the emblem in all conflicts and humanitarian crises.

As someone who has dedicated over two decades of my life to this cause, I urge all governments, military forces and non-state actors to recommit to the principles of international humanitarian law. The protection of the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem is non-negotiable. It is a matter of life and death, not just for our volunteers and staff, but for the millions of people around the world who rely on the aid and protection that this emblem represents.

The Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem is not just a logo—it is a lifeline, a symbol of our shared humanity, and a promise that no matter how dire the situation, help will come. But this promise can only be kept if all parties respect the sanctity of the emblem. The world must recognize that an attack on the emblem is an attack on humanity itself.