Reuters AlertNet is inviting a debate on its blog about the implications for humanitarian workers of Colombia’s rescue this month of hostages held by the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

On Wednesday, Alvaro Uribe, the president of Colombia, apologized for misusing the International Committee of the Red Cross emblem, amid reports that a Colombian intelligence officer who took part in the rescue mission wore clothing with the charity’s logo.

Mr. Uribe admitted that in using the emblem, the government may have violated international law. The Geneva Conventions forbid military personnel from falsely portraying themselves as Red Cross workers, which could put humanitarian workers in war zones at risk.

“When aid workers bear their agencies’ logos on their caps and trucks, it’s not just about publicity – it’s also a badge to say they’re unarmed civilians who aren’t on anyone’s side,” writes Alertnet.

A writer named Sabrina responds to AlertNet’s post: “From the moment this story broke and it was clear that the military had gotten in by pretending to be an NGO my heart stopped. This is an erosion of the basic tenets of humanitarian law that protect not only the workers in field but also prisoners of war all over the world.”

What do you think? What kind of ramifications does the rescue operation have for humanitarian charities and their employees? Post a comment using the box below.