Symbols, maps, and flags

SYMBOL: A perceptible representation of an idea, with features associated by a socially accepted convention.

MAP: A graphic representation of a territory on a flat surface, providing directional information about location, boundaries, geographical features, among others.

FLAG: A rectangular piece of fabric usually with colored stripes, shields or symbolic figures used as a badge of a country, team, dynasty, etc.; often attached by one of its short sides to a mast or a rope.

SYMBOLS

We can accept:

Publications that reflect certain ideas or traits in a justified and respectful manner.

We accept the swastika symbol in Buddhist contexts, respecting its historical and religious significance in Buddhism.

We cannot accept:

Publications that incite or promote any type of hate towards any territory, group, or ideology.
Satires or mockery.

The St. George ribbon, a Russian symbol associated with victory in World War II and in memory of those who fought, is currently prohibited in some countries due to its strong pro-Russian political connotations. We will not accept images that include it.

Defender of the Fatherland Day is a holiday observed in Russia, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. It is celebrated on 23 February, except in Kazakhstan, where it is celebrated on 7 May. Ukraine abolished the holiday starting 1992 and, after the Revolution of Dignity, has instated the somewhat similar Defender of Ukraine Day on 1 October. We will not accept images that include it.

Soviet-style posters

Like with other political movements, we will allow for style (forms, colors, type of illustration...) but we will avoid:

The name "Communism" "Soviet" "USSR" etc., and will leave the posters either untitled or using related slogans, always avoiding a direct and explicit association with any political movement.
Symbols: red star, sickle and hammer.
Figures related to the history of communism (regardless of whether they are copyright protected or not): Lenin, Stalin, Trotsky, etc.
Maps of the USSR or Russia.

Not accepted

Accepted

MAPS

We can accept:

Publications that accurately and respectfully depict any type of graphical representation of a current or past territory.

The body of water between Japan and the Korean Peninsula is commonly known as the Sea of Japan internationally. However, in South Korea, it is referred to as the East Sea. This difference stems from historical and political perspectives, and both names are used in various contexts depending on the region or organization.

We cannot accept:

Publications that include territories that are not officially recognized by international agreements signed by Spain, or that have been modified or altered due to territorial conflicts.
Publications that incorrectly or disrespectfully present any type of graphical representation of a current or past territory are also prohibited.

Several points to consider regarding on the map of China, as established by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Spain is one of the countries that does not recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan). Spain is committed to the "One China" policy and therefore does not maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

In Pakistan, India, and China, it is illegal to exclude all or part of Kashmir on a map, making it difficult to be 100% accurate. Other non-participating countries in the conflict usually use the Line of Control and Actual Line of Control (more or less agreed-upon borders between the two countries, even though they continue to claim the rest) as the represented limits, so we can adhere to that criterion (the CIA itself uses this in its World Factbook).

It is also important to note that a portion of Kashmir is also in China. The Kashmir region is divided between India, Pakistan, and China.

Maps of Palestine e Israel. To maintain a respectful environment and avoid controversies, we only accept maps that depict the current geographical division of Israel and Palestine according to internationally recognized borders. Any other type of representation will be rejected.

Maps of Ukraine without Crimea are delicate because it is still in dispute and can be offensive to Ukrainians. On Google, it is separated by a dotted line, which is their way of indicating that it is unclear (the same goes for the north of India).So, one way to depict the map of Crimea is to show Crimea as a disputed territory, without assigning it to any particular political entity. A dashed line can also be used to indicate that the status of Crimea is uncertain and that there are different opinions on the matter.

According to the UN, Morocco and Western Sahara are two distinct political entities. Therefore, on maps, they must be represented separately to accurately reflect this geopolitical reality, respecting the sovereignty and identity of both nations. Any other type of representation will be rejected.

Maps of Egypt or Sudan.The Hala'ib Triangle is a disputed region between Egypt and Sudan. It is located on the coast of the Red Sea, and covers about 20,580 square kilometers.The UN follows its principle of non-intervention in sovereign matters unless formally asked to mediate or resolve conflicts. The most neutral stance is not to definitively assign the territory to any country. To this end, both maps would include the Hala'ib Triangle shaded or marked with a dashed line to avoid taking sides with either country.

Map of Vietnam.The Truong Sa (internationally known as the Spratly Islands) and Hoang Sa (the Paracel Islands) are two archipelagos located in the South China Sea, over which Vietnam claims sovereignty, as do other countries in the region such as China and the Philippines.If shown on the map, these islands should be shaded or in a lighter color to indicate that they are in conflict. We will accept maps in which these islands do not appear as well as those in which they are differentiated in some way.

FLAGS

We can accept:

Publications that depict a territory accurately and respectfully are allowed, as long as they avoid offensive, inaccurate, or inappropriate content.
We will select opposing flags as long as they are in a neutral context. We aim to illustrate that there is a conflict between two countries, with neither being superior to the other, nor one country having to yield or prevail over the other.

Spain Flag

Saudi Arabia Flag

Japan Flag

Ecology Flag

California Bear

Montenegro (current flag)

Disposition of Flags in Neutral Position from Countries in Conflict

When they are in a neutral, friendly, sports-related, or descriptive position of the conflict.

We cannot accept:

Publications that incorrectly and disrespectfully depict any type of graphic representation of a current or past territory are not allowed.
Graphic representations that incite or promote any type of hatred towards any territory, group, or ideology (radical flags, symbols, gestures, etc.) are also prohibited.
Flags of territories that are not officially recognized by international agreements signed by Spain (Transnistria, Abjasia...).
We will avoid images where flags of opposing ideologies or territories are confronted.

Upside-down flags.Displaying a flag upside down is considered disrespectful and can be seen as a sign of distress or disrespect towards the nation or group represented by the flag.

Save Palestine / Pray for Palestine / Free Palestine / Palestine will not go down / Stand with PalestineThe UN does not take sides in the conflict but calls for a ceasefire. If we create resources calling for peace, it should not include "Save Palestine" visibly. It can be added as a hidden tag and there would be no problem.

Disposition of Flags in Conflict Position from Countries in Conflict

When they are crossed, positioned one above the other, when one flag blends with another, or in a context of war, such as fire, weapons, etc...

Countries in Conflict

Flag of Saudi Arabia with the flag of the LGBT+ community:
It could be seen as a form of protest or activism for the rights of the LGBT+. However, it can also be considered as a lack of respect towards the cultural values and norms of Saudi Arabia, which could generate controversy or even danger for those who display it.

Republican flag and y Francoist flag

Turkey and Armenia (Armenian Genocide)

Flags of Morocco and Algeria

Flags of Israel and Palestine

Russia and Ukraine (Ukrainian War)

Flags

The Francoist flag is considered by many people to be a symbol of oppression and authoritarianism, due to the dictatorial regime that governed Spain for decades.

The Rising sun flag has been controversial due to its historical use by the Empire of Japan, which committed numerous war crimes and atrocities during World War II, including the occupation of Korea. As a result, some Koreans view the rising sun flag as a symbol of Japanese oppression and military brutality.

Confederate flag.
It is often associated with racism and slavery in the United States, as it was used by the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. In modern times, the flag has been used by white supremacists and other hate groups