Chemical and biological weapons
The international community banned the use of chemical and biological weapons after the First World War and strengthened the ban in 1972 and 1993 by prohibiting their development, stockpiling and …
The international community banned the use of chemical and biological weapons after the First World War and strengthened the ban in 1972 and 1993 by prohibiting their development, stockpiling and …
For IHL treaties to be universally accepted, all states must adopt them through ratification or accession. States must then enact legislation and take practical measures in order for the rules to be …
International humanitarian law bans or restricts certain types of conventional weapons to protect civilians from their indiscriminate effects and to spare combatants from excessive injuries that …
Since the only use of nuclear weapons in 1945, the world has wrestled with the issue of how international humanitarian law applies to such weapons. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent …
International humanitarian law protects a wide range of people and objects during armed conflict. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols protect sick, wounded and shipwrecked people …
War affects women, men, girls and boys differently. Taking account of these differences when applying international human law will result in better protection for all. A gender perspective on …
Autonomous weapons are not a work of science fiction from a distant dystopian future. They are an immediate cause of humanitarian concern and demand an urgent, international political response. …
International humanitarian law (IHL) includes provisions to protect people with disabilities during times of armed conflict and other violence. Highlights ICRC preparing for major expansion of sports …
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 …
Under international humanitarian law, children affected by armed conflict are entitled to special respect and protection. Highlight Children should be at school, not at war From our archives: …
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Created in 1863, the ICRC library, alongside the ICRC archives, provides an indispensable documentary reference on the organization itself and international humanitarian law.
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 international humanitarian law consists of rules that come from "a general practice accepted as law" and that exist independent of treaty law.