International humanitarian law sets out detailed rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict. Its main treaties have been accepted by nearly every State in the world. (Treaties and States parties)

However, becoming party to these agreements is only a first step. Efforts must be made to implement humanitarian law, to turn the rules into action.

Some measures will require the adoption of legislation or regulations. Others will require the development of educational programmes, the recruitment and/or training of personnel, the production of identity cards and other documents, the setting up of special structures, and the introduction of planning and administrative procedures.

Areas where the adoption of implementing measures is required include: the protection of the red cross, red crescent and red crystal emblems, the repression of war crimes, the protection of cultural property, the protection of the rights of missing persons and of their families, the prohibition and regulation of the use of certain weapons, etc.

The ICRC set up its Advisory Service on International Humanitarian Law in 1996 to step up its support to States committed to implementing IHL. Specifically, the Advisory Service:

organizes meetings of experts;

offers legal and technical assistance in incorporating IHL into national law;

encourages States to set up national IHL committees and assists them in their work (see National Committees on IHL);

promotes the exchange of information (for instance through its database);

publishes specialist documents (for instance: fact sheets, ratification kits, model laws, biennial report and biannual update).