Use of force in law enforcement operations
States often face situations in which their officials must use force to maintain or restore public security and law and order in armed conflicts or other situations of violence. Such use of force is …
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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 …
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), …
Explosive weapons in populated areas
Armed conflicts are increasingly fought in urban areas, but often with weapon systems that were originally designed for use in open battlefields. When used in populated areas, explosive weapons with …
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 …
Dialogue with weapon bearers
It is those who carry weapons who can kill – and be killed. It is also they who can facilitate or hinder humanitarian action. The ICRC therefore maintains a dialogue with all weapon bearers, State …
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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.