War & Law

Protected persons

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 taking part in hostilities, prisoners of war and other detained persons, as well as civilians and civilian objects. Read full overview

Highlights

Selected Topics

Civilians

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 extends to their public and private property.
Prisoners of war and detainees

The third Geneva Convention provides a wide range of protection for prisoners of war. It defines their rights and sets down detailed rules for their treatment and eventual release. International humanitarian law (IHL) also protects other persons deprived of liberty as a result of armed conflict.
Women

International humanitarian law aims to prevent and alleviate human suffering in war without discrimination based on sex. But it does recognize that women face specific problems in armed conflict, such as sexual violence and risks to their health.
Refugees and IDPs

Refugees are people who have crossed an international frontier, fleeing persecution in their country. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have not crossed a border but have, for whatever reason, also fled their homes.

Customary law

Treatment of civilians and persons hors de combat – Fundamental guarantees

International Review of the Red Cross More articles

Reference documents

In images More images

Publications More publications

Hateymalo: psychosocial support program

The ICRC launched the Hateymalo program in 2010 to help the families of missing persons (FoM) cope with the ambiguity of their loss through the provision of psychological, socio-cultural, economic, and legal/administrative support.
Children affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence

This report sheds light on the different initiatives taken by the Movement to reintegrate into society children associated with armed forces or armed groups.