1945-1965: two decades of challenges
At the end of the Second World War, the ICRC finds itself in an ambivalent position. Its humanitarian work during the conflict – in particular in aid of prisoners of war – has been widely commended. …
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Founding and early years of the ICRC (1863-1914)
The Red Cross came into being at the initiative of a man named Henry Dunant, who helped wounded soldiers at the battle of Solferino in 1859 and then lobbied political leaders to take more action to …
1919-1939: consolidation among crises
The carnage of 1914-18 should have made this conflict the last. The public was horrified at the amount of blood that been spilt and war now seemed to have no place. But events themselves would …
Working for the ICRC: Communication delegate
A complete introduction to how the ICRC communicates, in an age when clear, precise and convincing communication has never been more …
How does international humanitarian law protect journalists in armed conflict situations?
Media professionals are increasingly at risk of being wounded, killed, detained or kidnapped while reporting in armed conflict situations. Robin Geiss, an ICRC legal expert, talks about the …
Education programmes for young people
Exploring Humanitarian Law (EHL) is an education programme that introduces young people between 13 and 18 years of age to the basic rules and principles of international humanitarian law (IHL).The …
Treaties and customary law
International humanitarian law is based on a large number of treaties, in particular the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, and a series of other conventions and protocols …
Customary international humanitarian law
Customary international law is made up of rules that come from "a general practice accepted as law" and that exist independent of treaty law. Customary international humanitarian law (IHL) is of …
Multinational forces
Over the years, the spectrum of multinational forces operations – most of the time under UN mandate for peace-enforcement or peacekeeping purposes – has become increasingly broad. The multifaceted …
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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.