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Contemporary challenges for IHL

In contemporary armed conflicts civilians are the primary victims of violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) committed by both State and non-State parties.  The nature of contemporary armed conflicts continues to provide challenges for the application and respect of IHL in a number of areas, ranging from the classification of armed conflicts to the use of new technologies. There is a need to understand and respond to these challenges to ensure that IHL continues to perform its protective function in situations of armed conflict.  

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Selected Topics

  • Terrorism

    During war, IHL forbids most acts considered as "terrorist" if committed in peacetime. The law applies to regular armies and non-state groups. “Terrorist” acts in other situations may be subject to other bodies of law.


  • Security detention

    Detaining people for State security reasons is an exceptional measure that is increasingly used both in armed conflict and in other situations. There are grounds for concern over the protection of these people’s rights.


  • Respect for IHL

    All States and other parties to an armed conflict have an obligation to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) in all circumstances. They must use their influence to prevent and end violations of IHL, and refrain from encouraging violations by other parties.


  • Multinational forces


Reference documents

Special issue of the Review

Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine

  • Red Cross Red Crescent Magazine
    The grey zone

    The practice of paying for military or security services is as old as war itself. Today, rapid growth and change in the for-profit military and security industry poses major challenges for those concerned about enforcement of human rights and humanitarian law.


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