Introduction to international humanitarian law
This short course provides an introduction to the basics of international humanitarian law (IHL) for non-specialized audiences, with learning divided into nine independent modules In case of …
Skip to main content
Search results
Gaza: Damaged water and sewage systems pose health danger
Large segments of the population of the Gaza Strip are still deprived of safe drinking water. Repairs to sewage systems and the restoration of basic electricity services remain urgent. Water and …
Weapons: ICRC statement to the United Nations, 2014
Statement General debate on all disarmament and international security agenda items. United Nations, General Assembly, 69th session, First Committee, statement by the ICRC, New York, 14 October 2014. …
The scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction: ICRC statement to the United Nations, 2014
Statement United Nations, General Assembly, 69th session, Sixth Committee, item 83 of the agenda, statement by the ICRC, New York, 15 October 2014. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) …
Sri Lanka: ICRC marks 25 years of humanitarian work in the country
15-10-2014 Colombo (ICRC) – On 16 October, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will mark the 25th anniversary of its humanitarian activities in Sri Lanka. "During the past quarter …
Belgium: Experts discuss detention in armed conflict
15-10-2014 Brussels (ICRC) – Which are the applicable legal norms for detention in international and non-international armed conflict? What are the challenges linked to the detention or transfer …
Somalia: Reducing food shortages
On the occasion of World Food Day (16 October), we take a look at how food shortages are being reduced in Somalia by supporting smallholder farmers. Family farms are crucial to overcoming hunger and …
Azerbaijan: The prisoner's guardian angel
Pierre Reichel worked for the ICRC in Nagorny Karabakh during 1994 and 1995. He recently talked about his experiences May 1996. The ICRC takes part in the transfer of detainees, in its capacity of …
Central African Republic: “We’re determined to bring people relief despite the obstacles”
Tensions have been running high since 7 October in the capital Bangui, spilling over into violent clashes. Jean-François Sangsue, head of the ICRC delegation in Bangui, gives us an update on the …
Nepal: Families of missing persons still searching for loved ones
The families of people who went missing in connection with the conflict in Nepal from 1996 to 2006 cling to shreds of hope. They want to believe that their missing relatives will return one day. By …
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Try one of the following resources:
ICRC library
Created in 1863, the ICRC library, alongside the ICRC archives, provides an indispensable documentary reference on the organization itself and international humanitarian law.
IHL treaties
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 IHL
Customary international humanitarian law consists of rules that come from "a general practice accepted as law" and that exist independent of treaty law.