Canada Ratifies Red Crystal Emblem

News Release

November 27, 2007
No. 166
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that
Canada has ratified the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions at the
30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, being
held in Geneva from November 26 to 30, 2007.
“Canada is proud to ratify the Third Additional Protocol and encourages other member
countries to do the same. This Protocol allows the Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement—one of the oldest global humanitarian institutions—to better protect people
affected by conflicts and natural disasters worldwide, as well as humanitarian workers
who provide critical assistance to those in need.”
The four Geneva Conventions, which have achieved universal ratification, and their first
two Additional Protocols govern the conduct of parties to armed conflicts and are
fundamental pillars of international humanitarian law. The Third Additional Protocol
entered into force on January 14, 2007. It recognizes the red crystal as an additional
emblem to the existing red cross and red crescent. It is meant to be free of extraneous
religious or political connotation.
“At the 30th International Conference, Canada is highlighting our ongoing support for
the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,” Minister Bernier added. “Under the
theme of the conference, ‘together for humanity,’ Canada is focusing on the
Movement’s mandate to prevent and alleviate human suffering, as well as its
willingness to form partnerships to address the needs of the most vulnerable people.”
The International Conference is the supreme deliberative body of the Movement and
meets every four years to discuss global humanitarian issues of common interest.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2007-11-27

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Canada Ratifies Red Crystal Emblem

News Release

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