The Geneva Conventions and their Commentaries
The 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are international treaties that contain the most important rules limiting the barbarity of war. They protect people who do not take part in …
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Criminal repression of IHL violations
When violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) occur, states are under an obligation to prosecute alleged offenders. Domestic courts therefore play an important role in enforcing IHL and …
Arms transfers
The widespread and poorly regulated availability of weapons facilitates violations of international humanitarian law and hampers the delivery of assistance to victims. Strengthening and enforcing …
Guide For National Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies On How To Develop A Restoring Family Links Communication Strategy
Communication is crucial to promote and raise awareness of Restoring Family Links services which are provided by the Family Links Network. Under the joint lead of the Canadian Red Cross and the …
Jus ad bellum and jus in bello
International humanitarian law (IHL), or jus in bello , is the law that governs the way in which warfare is conducted. Explaining jus ad bellum and jus in bello International humanitarian law (IHL), …
Respect for IHL
States and other parties to armed conflict have an obligation to "respect and to ensure respect for" IHL "in all circumstances" (Art. 1 common to the Geneva Conventions). They must use their …
Strengthening IHL project
Between 2012 and 2015, the ICRC undertook two major consultation processes on strengthening legal protection for victims of armed conflict. These two processes have since moved into a new phase, …
Protected persons: Civilians
Over the past 60 years, civilians have been the main victims of war. Protecting civilians and their property during armed conflict is therefore a cornerstone of international humanitarian law (IHL). …
Protected persons: Migrants, refugees, asylum seekers
According to the ICRC’s definition, migrants are people who leave or flee their usual place of residence in search of safety or better opportunities abroad, and who may be in distress and in need of …
Weapons and disarmament
International humanitarian law governs the choice of the means and methods of warfare and prohibits or restricts the use of certain weapons. The ICRC plays a leading role in the promotion and …
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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.