An ICRC delegate making sure that no harm comes to civilians crossing the line between rebel-held and government-controlled territory in northern Sri Lanka, July 2004 – Considered as a neutral and impartial intermediary, the ICRC often carries out complex humanitarian operations at the request of the parties to a conflict. These include assisting in the repatriation of prisoners of war or civilian internees, making representations to hostage-takers and monitoring neutral crossing points between front lines. The emblems, which stand for neutrality and impartiality, facilitate the ICRC’s activities on behalf of persons entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions.