Frequently asked questions on the rules of war
Even wars have rules. What does that mean? It means: You do not attack civilians. You limit as much as you can the impact of your warfare on women and children, as well as on other civilians. You …
Even wars have rules. What does that mean? It means: You do not attack civilians. You limit as much as you can the impact of your warfare on women and children, as well as on other civilians. You …
Geneva (ICRC) – The remains of 13 people missing in connection with the armed conflict of 1992–1993 in Abkhazia were identified and handed over to their families on 19 July with the help of the …
From the devastating Türkiye-Syria earthquake to the international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the eruption of fighting in Sudan, the first half of 2023 saw humanitarian needs …
In the event of armed conflict and other situations of violence, detainees are acutely vulnerable to forced disappearance, extrajudicial killing, torture and ill treatment, inhumane material …
States often face situations in which their officials have to use force to maintain or restore public security, law and order in armed conflicts or situations of violence that do not meet the …
The Third Asia-Pacific Police Colloquium, held in Beijing and Langfang, China, from July 2nd to 5th, 2023, successfully delved into the theme of "Peacekeeping Police and Local Police Capacity …
Amidst the complexities of an ever-changing global landscape, Robert Mardini, Director General of the International Committee of the Red Cross, delivered a speech at the Austrian Centre for Peace, …
Fifth Universal Meeting of National Committees and Similar Entities on International Humanitarian Law The Fifth Universal Meeting of National Committees and Similar Entities on International …
Rich in natural resources and cultural diversity, Kachin, Myanmar’s northernmost state, is home to a number of ethnic groups, languages, cuisines and festivals. Beyond the beauty and diversity …
Armed conflicts are increasingly taking place in urban and other populated areas, often with weapons designed to deliver large explosive force from afar and over large areas. When used in populated …
Try one of the following resources:
Created in 1863, the ICRC library, alongside the ICRC archives, provides an indispensable documentary reference on the organization itself and international humanitarian law.
International humanitarian law is based on a number of treaties, in particular the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, and a series of other instruments.
Customary international humanitarian law consists of rules that come from "a general practice accepted as law" and that exist independent of treaty law.