the original motto of the international committee of the red cross was "inter arma caritas" ("amidst war, charity"). it has preserved this motto while other red cross organizations have adopted others. due to geneva's location in the french-speaking part of switzerland, the icrc is also known under its initial french name "comité international de la croix-rouge" (cicr). however, the icrc has three official languages (english, french and spanish). the official symbol of the icrc is the red cross on white background (the inverse of the swiss flag) with the words "comite international geneve" circling the cross.