White Flag of Truce
Signal, Sport and Symbolic FlagsOne of the oldest signals in warfare, recorded in both Roman and Han Chinese sources.
Basic Flag Information
| Flag Name | White Flag of Truce |
|---|---|
| Category | Signal, Sport and Symbolic Flags |
| Flag Proportion | 2:3 |
| Flag Shape | Rectangle |
| Number of Colors | 1 |
| Main Colors | White |
| Design Type | Plain white field |
Flag Color Information
| Color | Appearance | HEX Code |
|---|---|---|
| White | #FFFFFF |
Flag Design and Symbols
| White colour | Represents truce, surrender and the wish to negotiate |
|---|---|
| Plain white | A protected sign under the Geneva Conventions — anyone carrying it must not be fired upon, and abusing it is a war crime |
Facts about the Flag of White Flag of Truce
- The white flag as a request to parley is recognised in the Hague Regulations and the Geneva Conventions, making it one of very few flags with status in international law.
- Approaching under a white flag and then attacking is perfidy, and is a war crime.
- One of the oldest signals in warfare, recorded in both Roman and Han Chinese sources.
- The flag belongs to the international convention of truce. It is used worldwide.
- It was founded in antiquity — it is recorded in both Han China and the Roman Empire.
- It signals a request to parley or an intention to surrender, and is protected under the Geneva Conventions.
- Construction: Plain white field.
- It is normally drawn to a ratio of 2:3, which makes it rectangular.
- The flag uses a single colour: white.
- The white stands for truce, surrender and the wish to negotiate.
- Plain white: A protected sign under the Geneva Conventions — anyone carrying it must not be fired upon, and abusing it is a war crime.
- Firing on someone carrying it, or using it to gain an advantage, is a war crime.
- It is filed here under Signal, Sport and Symbolic Flags, one of the categories of flag that belong to no country.
Frequently asked questions about the White Flag of Truce
What is the White Flag of Truce?
One of the oldest signals in warfare, recorded in both Roman and Han Chinese sources.
Whose flag is the White Flag of Truce?
It is the flag of the international convention of truce, used worldwide.
When was the international convention of truce founded?
The international convention of truce was founded in antiquity — it is recorded in both Han China and the Roman Empire.
What do the colours of the White Flag of Truce mean?
White for truce, surrender and the wish to negotiate.
What do the symbols on the White Flag of Truce mean?
Plain white — A protected sign under the Geneva Conventions — anyone carrying it must not be fired upon, and abusing it is a war crime.
Where is the White Flag of Truce flown?
It signals a request to parley or an intention to surrender, and is protected under the Geneva Conventions.
What are the proportions of the White Flag of Truce?
It is normally drawn to a ratio of 2:3, which makes it rectangular.
What else is worth knowing about the White Flag of Truce?
Firing on someone carrying it, or using it to gain an advantage, is a war crime.
Is the White Flag of Truce a national flag?
No. It is not the flag of any sovereign state and is listed here under Signal, Sport and Symbolic Flags.
How many colours are on the White Flag of Truce?
It uses a single colour: white.
