The International Committee of the Red Cross has raised alarm over the growing misuse of the Red Cross emblem in Nigeria, warning that such unauthorized use threatens both humanitarian workers and the symbol’s protective value under international law.
Speaking at the opening of a three-day First Aid and pre-hospital emergency training for journalists in Lagos, ICRC Public Relations Specialist Aliyu Dawobe condemned the increasing exploitation of the emblem by businesses and individuals.
“The emblem of the Red Cross is not a marketing tool. It is a protective symbol meant to save lives during emergencies,” Dawobe stated emphatically. “We are seeing pharmacies, hospitals, private vehicles, and even vendors using it as a logo or decoration on goods. This misuse is dangerous because it diminishes the emblem’s credibility and puts real humanitarian responders at risk.”
Dawobe explained the emblem’s two legitimate purposes under international humanitarian law: Protective use: Displayed during emergency operations to signify neutrality; Indicative use: Worn by trained personnel to show affiliation.
“Both must be respected. Abusing them weakens the protection they offer,” he added, calling for immediate government intervention.
“The government should ensure offenders are called to order, issued warnings, or sanctioned. Protecting this symbol is crucial for the safety of those who serve in the frontlines of crises,” Dawobe urged.
The training program, organized jointly by ICRC and Nigerian Red Cross Society, aims to equip journalists covering high-risk assignments with vital emergency response skills.
“Journalists often find themselves in volatile situations, from conflict zones to violent protests. Some are injured in the line of duty; others don’t make it out alive,” Dawobe noted. “This training gives them basic first aid knowledge that could save their lives or those of others.”
The Red Cross Lagos Branch Officer, Dr. Adebola Kolawole, emphasized the training’s importance in her welcome address:
“The media training was necessary to equip journalists with life-saving skills as well as create awareness on activities of the ICRC across the country,” she said, urging participants to “take the training seriously and step it down to other practicing journalists in their various newsrooms.”
The intensive program covers practical emergency response techniques, reinforcing ICRC’s commitment to safeguarding professionals working in hazardous environments.
