ICRC activities in the Philippines in 2014
In 2014, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continued working to protect and assist people affected by decades of non-international armed conflict and other situations of violence. …
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Even wars have limits: Neutral on the front lines, delivering aid impartially is our aim
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement makes no distinction between victims. Our only priority is to provide emergency aid to those in …
Colombia: Talking to weapon bearers to protect civilians
Liliana was fatally wounded when fighting broke out a few metres from her house In Tacueyo, North Cauca. As always in this type of incident, the ICRC reminds weapon bearers that they must distinguish …
Myanmar: Women making a difference for women affected by armed conflict
Three unrelated women recently joined hands in support of fighting-affected families in Putao, in the far north of Myanmar's Kachin state. The way these women from the Red Cross Movement lent support …
Mali: Training and discipline to improve army IHL compliance
The ICRC is helping promote international humanitarian law (IHL) among the Malian armed forces, international forces operating in the country and other arms bearers. General Mahamane Touré is Chief …
Colombia: The Education Brigades, an alternative to violence
Drug addiction, armed violence and threats... life for young people in Medellin can be tough. The Colombian Red Cross and the ICRC have created "education brigades" in which youngsters acquire new …
Mali: People in north desperately need food, water and health care
There have been more clashes in the north of the country recently, and the plight of tens of thousands of people continues to alarm the ICRC. The organization is helping local communities to survive …
West Bank: young winners sing for safe health-care
Taher, Luay Al Zarou and Ayoub Idris performed live in front of a cheering crowd in a youth art competition, held by the ICRC and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Hebron. Their winning rap …
Humanitarian situation and ICRC action in Colombia
Over 230,000 people benefited from the work of the ICRC during 2014. This reflects our commitment to getting alongside the victims of violence and conflict. And our work brings concrete results such …
Syria: Even wars have limits
Civilians should never be targeted Civilians must be protected. Arms bearers must at all times make the distinction between the civilian population and combatants. Wounded have the right to receive …
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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.