Development of international humanitarian law

The ICRC is mandated by States through the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and the statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to promote and act as guardian of international humanitarian law (IHL). This involves encouraging the ratification of treaties, monitoring compliance, dissemination and contributing to the development of IHL. Read full overview

Highlights

Selected Topics

Direct participation in hostilities

IHL distinguishes between soldiers and civilians. But in current conflicts hostilities often take place close to civilians, who increasingly take on certain military roles. This makes it harder to ensure distinction.
Arms availability

The ICRC welcomes the adoption of a comprehensive, legally binding Arms Trade Treaty that establishes common international standards for the responsible transfer of all conventional weapons and their ammunition.
Privatization of war

Governments are increasingly using private military and security firms for tasks traditionally assigned to the armed forces. This raises issues over how IHL can be fully applied, so as to ensure protection for civilians.

Reference documents

Analysis

International humanitarian law: should it be reaffirmed, clarified or developed?

This article is based on an address before the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, on June 26, 2003, as part of a conference on "Current Issues in International Law and Military Operations".

01-05-2004 | Israel Yearbook on Human Rights, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers | Jean-Philippe Lavoyer