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

Council of Delegates 2011

Reference documents

International Court of Justice – Legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons
Use of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons: current international law and policy statements

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

In images More images

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

Nuclear weapons

Highlights

Geneva: towards the elimination of nuclear weapons

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

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

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

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