Even wars have limits. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949. As the International Committee of the Red Cross, we witness the everyday achievements of …
The Geneva Conventions are the cornerstone of international humanitarian law, often called the laws of war, which aim to reduce suffering during times of armed conflict. As they turn 70 this year, Dr …
On the occasion of the 70th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is using digital technology to give greater access to the Geneva Conventions, …
Briefing by ICRC President to UN Security Council on "The promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security" As delivered by ICRC President Peter …
This World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate women who provide life-saving aid to people affected by armed conflict. Women play an important role in humanitarian response, from physical rehabilitation …
The ICRC has emphasized the need to maintain human control over weapon systems and the use of force, both for legal compliance and ethical acceptability. This approach has informed our analysis of …
Imagine your village has been attacked, your family is scattered and you have been taken captive. Blindfolded, you are shuffled into a truck crowded in by your captors. The sun is beating down at 50 …
As harsh as it may sound, what do you think is "better"? Being killed by a human being or by a robot? If international humanitarian law (IHL) applies to humans and they are obliged to respect it, …
Baghdad (ICRC) – On 29 August, the Prime Minister’s Office and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) jointly hosted a homage to missing people and their families in Iraq at the …
In 2019, Libya entered its eighth year of insecurity and protracted conflict. Its economy is in crisis, basic infrastructure is damaged, security threats and severe shortages of cash liquidity have …
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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.
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.
