War at the root of hunger
by Dominik Stillhart, Director of Operations, ICRC We are on the brink of a humanitarian mega-crisis unprecedented in recent history. The spectre of famine looms large over parts of Africa and the …
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E-briefing: Humanitarian perspectives on the changing face of war
On the occasion of the remembrances marking the 100th anniversary of the First World War, the ICRC is launching its new online e-briefing which looks at the evolution of warfare from the eighteenth …
Detainees’ contacts with families are Israel's obligation under IHL
Jerusalem - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) calls upon the Israeli authorities to shoulder their full responsibilities under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) with regard to …
Updated Commentaries bring fresh insights on continued relevance of Geneva Conventions
What is acceptable and what is prohibited in armed conflict? The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 form the foundation of international humanitarian law and provide a framework setting out the answers …
Updated Commentary brings fresh insights on continued relevance of Geneva Conventions for warfare at sea
Updated Commentary on the Second Geneva Convention - Livestreamed event The Second Geneva Convention and the role of the ICRC , speech given by Mr Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC On 4 May 2017, …
For Myanmar’s displaced, landmines stand in the way of returning home
Decades of ongoing conflict have left Myanmar heavily contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). Many people live in fear of the cluster munition remnants. For over two years, in order …
ICRC’s response to Syrians' needs in Jordan in 2016
The majority of Syrians who sought refuge in Jordan came with little or no belongings. Due to the protracted nature of the Syrian conflict, their financial assets were quickly depleted. Some 80% of …
Creation of a sub-regional platform on IHL for Indian Ocean island states
The National IHL Committees of Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles have agreed to create a sub-regional IHL platform to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas on generating greater respect …
Myanmar: Beyond emergency relief
ICRC President Peter Maurer visited Myanmar last week where, in parts of the country, people are still suffering after decades of conflict and violence. In this interview, he shares his impressions. …
Malaysia: Regional workshop on law of armed conflict at sea launched
A regional workshop on the law of armed conflict (LoAC) at sea, gathering 28 senior naval officers from Asia Pacific region, was inaugurated at the National Defence University of Malaysia (NDUM) on …
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Created in 1863, the ICRC library, alongside the ICRC archives, provides an indispensable documentary reference on the organization itself and international humanitarian law.
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Customary international humanitarian law consists of rules that come from "a general practice accepted as law" and that exist independent of treaty law.