Red Cross Emblem Used in Colombian Rescue? I Hope Not!

The Colombian rescue was incredible but it may have also severely undermined the neutrality of the Red Cross. 

The International Committee of the Red Cross has voiced grave concern over Colombia’s apparent deliberate misuse of their symbol. 

If you recall, the rescuers tricked the rebels into releasing the French-Colombian hostages by posing as international aid workers. The Columbian President Alvaro Uribe acknowledged that a Red Cross symbol was worn by a member of the military taking part in the July 2 rescue. 

Mr. Uribe says it was an “error made by a nervous soldier.” 

Not to take anything away from the rescue, but if they intentionally used the Red Cross symbol for a military action it will certainly jeopardize the lives of legitimate peacekeepers moving forward.