PCK has power. A social campaign on the topic of the red cross sign has started

The Red Cross is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. It symbolizes hope, help, and protection for those in need. At the same time, it is a symbol protected by international and national laws, and its use is subject to limitations. It is not true that anyone can use the Red Cross anywhere. In Poland, the Polish Red Cross is responsible for the proper use of this unique symbol.

„The aid provided by Poles to refugees from Ukraine since February 24 has shown that our society holds immense reservoirs of human compassion. And this is very good. Unfortunately, it has also become clear that the Red Cross symbol is not properly understood, is sometimes abused, misused, and often even used against the law.” – says Dr. Magdalena Stefańska, Head of the International Department at the Polish Red Cross and chairwoman of the Commission for the Protection of the Red Cross Symbol.

In peacetime, the Red Cross symbol is used in its full version – with the name of the national organization – serving an informational role. During armed conflicts and natural crises, a simplified version is used: a red cross on a white background – at that time, the symbol serves a protective role. It cannot be a target for attack, which follows directly from the Geneva Conventions. However, the Red Cross symbol must never be used on one’s own accord under any circumstances.

The latest social campaign of the Polish Red Cross aims to make millions of Poles aware of what the Red Cross symbol truly means, when and how it can be used. One of the main activities of the Polish Red Cross and other organizations that are part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is to provide assistance and save lives during emergencies, disasters, or natural calamities. It is important that those who help and those in need of assistance are protected by the symbol under which professionally trained people provide help.

“In the campaign, we want to make Poles aware that the Red Cross symbol is our common good and we all must take care of it so that in times of crises and disasters, it serves as hope and protection for the affected. We don’t think about it on a daily basis, but we live in times of escalating armed conflicts and increasing natural disasters, and soon any one of us may need assistance, e.g., medical help or evacuation. Knowledge about the symbol should be widespread, hence our campaign and the broad informational action.” – says Małgorzata Szukała, Head of the Communication and Fundraising Department at the Polish Red Cross.

The campaign created in cooperation with the advertising agency S4 uses the slogan: “This symbol is hope, help, and protection for those in need. Do not use it on your own.” As an artifact, it features red gloves. Dancers, under the guidance of choreographer Daniela Komędry-Miśkiewicz, form the Red Cross symbol and letters from which they create the words: HELP, PROTECTION, HOPE. The campaign organizers emphasize that only responsible use of the Red Cross symbol gives it power. On World Red Cross Day, a website on this topic will be launched at: pckmamoc.pl.

“This is a symbol that always stands for people: those who help and know how to help and those who are waiting for assistance. We have the power to help if we do it responsibly and wisely. We encourage you to become a volunteer at the Polish Red Cross and help us.” – adds Małgorzata Szukała.

Anyone can join in spreading knowledge about the Red Cross symbol. It is enough to share the promotional video for the campaign on their social media. Unjustified use of the symbol can be reported to the nearest Regional Branch of the Polish Red Cross – a list of branches can be found on the official website pck.pl, as well as directly to the Department of International Cooperation at the Main Headquarters of the Polish Red Cross, by sending an email to: miedzynarodowy@pck.pl.

The Polish Red Cross symbol campaign is co-financed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) based in Geneva.

The media patronage for the symbol campaign has been taken by TVP Info.

The Helios cinema chain has joined the promotional activities on a pro bono basis.

More about the protection of the Red Cross symbol: pckmamoc.pl