Civilians are the main victims of IHL violations in today's conflicts. Contemporary conflict brings challenges for IHL in a number of areas, such as new technologies and the classification of conflicts. We must understand and respond to these challenges if IHL is to maintain its protective function.
The ICRC works across a range of law and policy themes to ensure better protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. Our policy positions are rooted in operational experience and sound legal analysis. We work through diplomatic channels and diverse policy arenas to inform and influence policy debates on key humanitarian issues.
Working with states and parties to conflict to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law is at the core of our mandate under the Geneva Conventions.
International law regulates the methods and means of warfare. It aims to strike a balance between legitimate military objectives and the humanitarian objective of reducing suffering, particularly among civilians.
Technological developments have given rise to new methods and means of warfare, such as cyber attacks, armed drones and robots, raising novel humanitarian and legal challenges.
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 not taking part in hostilities, prisoners of war and other detainees, civilians and civilian objects.
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 development of law regulating the use of weapons.
