Act regarding the Icelandic Red Cross and the emblem of the Red Cross, the Red Crescent and the Red Crystal

No. 115/2014

Article 1

The Icelandic Red Cross, established on 10 December 1924, is an autonomous and an independent humanitarian organisation which operates in accordance with the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and their additional protocols from 8 June 1977 and 8 December 2005. The organisation acts in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Icelandic Red Cross is the only organisation in Iceland that can, according to this act, be a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The organisation has an auxiliary role vis-a-vis the government regarding humanitarian issues. It operates in all parts of the country and is based mainly on voluntary work.

Article 2

Others than the Icelandic Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are prohibited from using the name of the Red Cross and its emblem, which is a red cross on a white background, the emblem of the Red Crescent, which is a red crescent on a white background, or the emblem of the Red Crystal, which is a red diamond on a white background, or names and emblems that resemble them to indicate an operation, a service or a product or for other similar purposes.

The Icelandic Red Cross can authorise other entities to use the organisation's emblem in peace time, such as to identify a vehicle used for medical transport and to mark aid stations that provide free assistance to the sick and the wounded, when the use is otherwise compatible with the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, its additional protocols from 8 June 1977 and 8 December 2005 and other applicable international rules which Iceland has committed to comply with and uphold. On the basis of road traffic laws, a red cross on a white background can also be used to indicate a health clinic or a place where first aid is provided.

Those who use the name or emblem of the Red Cross, the Red Crescent or the Red Crystal, or similar names or emblems, without permission, to identify an operation, a service or a product or for other similar purposes shall be fined or jailed for up to six months if the offence is repeated.

Article 3

The Minister may by regulation make further provisions for the implementation of this act, upon receiving comments from the Icelandic Red Cross.

Article 4

This Act shall enter into force immediately.