War & law

Nuclear weapons

There is no comprehensive or universal ban in international law on the use of nuclear weapons. However, in July 1996 the International Court of Justice concluded that international humanitarian law did apply to the use of nuclear weapons and that their use would generally be contrary to IHL’s principles and rules. Read full overview

Highlights

Customary law

Nuclear weapons

Humanitarian consequences and IHL implications of nuclear weapons

Council of Delegates 2011

Reference documents

ICRC appeals regarding the use of nuclear weapons

International Review of the Red Cross More articles

Special issue of the Review

International Review of the Red Cross, 1997, No. 316 – Nuclear weapons

Publications More publications

Nuclear weapons

The existence of nuclear weapons raises questions about when the rights of States must yield to the interests of humanity, the capacity of our species to master its own technology and the reach of IHL.
Staying alive: safety and security guidelines for humanitarian volunteers in conflict areas

Expert practical advice on security in situations of armed conflict

Nuclear weapons

Highlights

Who will assist the victims of nuclear weapons?

No way to deliver assistance in the event of a nuclear explosion

Bringing the era of nuclear weapons to an end

Nuclear weapons

ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger appeals to States to bring nuclear weapons to an end

Nuclear weapons: an historic opportunity

The Hiroshima disaster – a doctor's account

Customary law

Humanitarian consequences and IHL implications of nuclear weapons

Council of Delegates 2011

Reference documents

ICRC appeals regarding the use of nuclear weapons

International Review of the Red Cross More articles

More

Special issue of the Review

Publications More publications

Nuclear weapons

Staying alive: safety and security guidelines for humanitarian volunteers in conflict areas

In images More images

VideoTowards the elimination of nuclear weapons

FilmICRC President Jakob Kellenberger appeals to States to bring nuclear weapons to an end

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