Use of the Red Cross Symbol by Individuals and Legal Entities Prohibited

In the current escalation of the Artsakh conflict, there have been instances where individuals, groups, and private companies are applying the Red Cross symbol to various humanitarian aid vehicles, as reported by the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Armenia and the Armenian Red Cross Society.

“We would like to remind that according to the law of the Republic of Armenia on the use and protection of the symbols of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, individuals and legal entities are prohibited from using the symbol as a protective or distinguishing signal within the territory of the Republic of Armenia. Therefore, placing the Red Cross on personal vehicles contradicts the aforementioned law, as well as the Geneva Conventions, the 1st and 2nd Additional Protocols, and the rules set forth by international humanitarian law concerning the use of the symbol. We ask that such actions be avoided,” stated the joint announcement by the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) and the ICRC delegation in Armenia.

The Red Cross symbol serves as a distinguishing mark or signal to indicate ownership of the person, vehicle, structure, or other objects.