1950-1953: the Korean war

The Korean war, the first major international conflict after the Second World War, was marked by the threat of a potential use of nuclear weapons. During the conflict the ICRC was unable to carry out activities on behalf of prisoners of war in Communist hands, despite repeated requests to be granted access to them.

The Korean War was the first major international conflict to erupt after the signing of the Geneva Conventions of 1949. However, the main belligerents having not yet acceded to the Conventions, these did not formally apply.

Today

The ICRC has reiterated that advances in biotechnology must not be used for hostile purposes. This appeal is addressed as much to governments as to scientists and the biotechnology industry. The ICRC’s attitude is similar with respect to nuclear weapons, which it believes must not be used in armed conflict.

Facts and figures

  • In March 1952, following allegations of biological weapons use, the ICRC approached the parties to the conflict and offered that a commission of enquiry be set up under its auspices. It abandoned the idea after being unable to obtain the consent of all the parties involved.
  • Between July 1950 and August 1953 the ICRC carried out more than 160visits to prisoner-of-war camps in South Korea.

  • Treatment of the British prisoners

    First page of a memo by ICRC delegate Max Wolf regarding a booklet published in 1955 by the British Ministry of Defence about the treatment of the British prisoners of war in Korea.
    > Download PDF

  • Letter from the Chinese Red Cross

    First page of a letter from the Red Cross Society of China about atrocities allegedly committed by the American forces in Korea, 12 December 1951.
    > Download PDF

  • Message from an American POW

    Message from an American prisoner of war during the Korean War, 1950-1952. Voice recorded in Hong Kong by the ICRC.
    > Listen to audio

  • UNO prisoners of war

    Democratic People's Republic of Korea. UNO prisoners of war.
    > Photo

More

Atomic weapons and non-directed missiles: ICRC statement, 1950