ABSTRACT
The 1938 Preliminary Draft Convention was an important precedent and the source of the provisions in the 1954 Convention, particularly with regard to the use, placing and purpose of the distinctive emblem. According to the 1949 Geneva Convention, 'Parties to the conflict shall take the necessary steps, in so far as military considerations permit, to make the distinctive emblems indicating medical units and establishments clearly visible to the enemy land, air or naval forces in order to avoid the possibility of any hostile action'. For the period of armed conflict, the Regulations for the Execution of the Convention give general instructions concerning, among other things, visibility in the case of property placed under special protection. The persons mentioned in Article 17, paragraphs 2(b) and (c) of the Convention may wear an armlet bearing the distinctive emblem of the Convention issued and stamped by the competent authorities.
