The Exclusion of the AU Flag from Emojis: A Quest for Inclusion

Despite the unique and important status of the AU (African Union) flag, it remains absent from the widely recognized collection of flag emojis. This article explores the reasons behind this absence and discusses the potential for inclusivity in the future.

The Unicode Consortium and Emoji Subcommittee

The decision to include or exclude flags from emojis is made by the Unicode Consortium, specifically the Emoji Subcommittee. These organizations meticulously curate the collection of emojis to ensure a balance of inclusivity and practicality. Currently, the rules are extremely strict, making it challenging for new flags to be added.

Challenges of Inclusion

To include the AU flag, a significant effort would be required to convince the Unicode Consortium to revise their current rules regarding flags. While this is not an impossible task, it is a substantial one, necessitating a compelling and substantial basis beyond just the unique status of the AU flag.

The Low Probability of Change

The odds of the AU flag being included are not high due to the low usage of the existing flags. The current rules are supported by evidence that suggests people do not frequently use most of the flag emojis. Consequently, changing these policies would be a significant shift, making it a difficult undertaking.

Historical Context and Policy

It is also important to understand the historical context and the specific policies in place. The Unicode Consortium has already frozen new flag additions, except for those with Unicode region codes. The AU flag, however, does not qualify under this criterion as it is not a country with a region code.

Additionally, the consortium explicitly states that no mechanism exists for adding regional and geopolitical flags. For example, NATO and other similar entities are not eligible for inclusion. This policy is regardless of the importance and significance of the entity in question.

Current Rules and Exclusions

The current rules, as outlined by the Unicode Consortium, make it evident that the AU flag is being excluded due to its status as a regional flag without an RGI (Recommended for General Interchange) code. Africa, as a continent, has a region code, but continental codes are not currently RGI. This means the AU, being a continental entity, could potentially use the African continent code. However, proposals to add such flags or codes are not considered.

Controversy and Possibilities

While the AU flag is excluded, the situation is not without controversy. Many argue that the AU, as a significant geopolitical entity, should be included on equal footing with other global and regional associations. Yet, the stringent rules set by the Unicode Consortium make such a change a distant possibility.

Conclusion and Future Prospects

Although the AU flag remains absent from the emoji collection, the journey towards its inclusion continues. Advocacy and campaigning could shift public and organizational perception, potentially leading to a policy change. However, until then, the AU flag will remain a symbol waiting for its place in the global digital language.