PEC is calling for the introduction of an internationally protected emblem, similar to the Red Cross, to help identify journalists as workers deserving special protection.
But the existence of and support for PEC, and the position taken by the ICRC in 2011, illustrate that there are differing opinions as to whether stronger laws, a new special legal category, and a new protected emblem would help or hinder attempts to enhance protection.
Under IHL, the emblems of the Red Cross and Red Crescent are specially protected (Additional Protocol I, 1977; Additional Protocol II, 1977; Geneva Convention I, 1949; Geneva Convention II, 1949; Geneva Convention IV, 1949) and Additional Protocol III (2005) adds a third protected emblem, the Red Crystal.