The Government has decided to ratify the additional protocol of 8 December 2005 to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 on the adoption of a new additional emblem. The purpose of the Conventions is to protect humanitarian considerations in armed conflicts.

There has been a growing consensus on the need to adopt a third protective emblem that has the same status as the red cross and red crescent of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The new emblem is not intended to have any national, religious, political and ethnic associations.

“This issue has been on the agenda for a number of years, and we are therefore pleased that a solution has finally been found,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre.

Norway will be the first country to ratify the additional protocol. “We are pleased to be the first country to approve the new emblem of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Our rapid ratification sends an important signal to the international community,” said Mr Støre.

The adoption of a new additional emblem should help to resolve the issue of membership of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for several national aid organisations that did not wish to use any of the current symbols, and will therefore enhance the universality of the Red Cross Movement. It will also make it easier to reach the needy with humanitarian efforts and protection.

In practice, the adoption of the new emblem means that Israel’s Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society can be adopted as members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Norway has participated actively in efforts to achieve a breakthrough in this matter, which has been a political challenge for many years. The protocol will come into force six months after two ratification or accession documents have been deposited.