International criminal jurisdiction
Ever since World War II, the international community has moved increasingly toward the development of a system of international jurisdictions, complementary to that of domestic courts, to try people …
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Persons protected under IHL
International humanitarian law protects a wide range of people and objects during armed conflict. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols protect the sick, wounded and shipwrecked not …
Civilians protected under international humanitarian law
During the past 60 years the main victims of war have been civilians. The protection of civilians during armed conflict is therefore a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. This protection …
Missing persons and international humanitarian law
In war, many people go missing, causing anguish and uncertainty for their families and friends. People have the right to know what happened to their missing relatives. Governments, the military …
Children protected under international humanitarian law
Children are especially vulnerable in armed conflicts. Despite the protection provided by law, they continue to be recruited by armed forces and armed groups. They are often separated from their …
Working for the ICRC: Logistics specialist
Humanitarian logistics today is often even more complex and demanding than in the private sector. The ICRC is looking for skilled and experienced professionals in this field. Do you have those …
Working for the ICRC: Economic security delegate
Can you imagine yourself helping people regain their economic security after a conflict? This video presents the huge scope of the ICRC's work in this …
Words of warriors
In this film, people who have gone to war against their governments speak frankly about what they did, their knowledge of and respect for the laws of war, and their view of the ICRC's work. Whether …
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Layha [Code of Conduct] For Mujahids
Annex This document is reproduced as a reference text to the article ‘The Layha for the Mujahideen: an analysis of the code of conduct for the Taliban fighters under Islamic Law’, by Muhammad Munir, …
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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.