Discover IHL: IHL and peace
“International humanitarian law is not only a set of international rules that protects humanity during armed conflict, but also works with other international laws to contribute to maintaining and …
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Good news: Transforming pain through song
Through a song of hope and resilience, Peru’s younger generations are sharing their good news with missing loved ones – family members they have never stopped searching for. The fourth edition of …
Useful information for people affected by the conflict in Syria
We understand that the current situation is difficult and uncertain for you and your loved ones. You are not alone. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Syrian Arab Red …
Delivering Hope: Mobile Health Teams Deployed in Remote Somalia
For many communities in remote areas of Somalia, access to healthcare is a constant struggle. Health facilities are few and far between and can mean travelling for hundreds of kilometres to seek …
A Journey of No Return: ICRC helps clarify the fate of a missing Migrant
Imagine being forced to leave your country, your family, your wife, your children, your childhood memories and everything and everyone that you know and head towards the unknown, taking a risky leap …
Armenia: Finding strength to fulfill a long-held dream
“When you do what you love, success follows. Our success comes from staying positive and determined. Instead of focusing on challenges, we look ahead,” said Alina Voskanyan, whose son went missing …
Romania ratifies the ICRC’s country status agreement
On 16 December, Romania officially notified the ICRC of the ratification of a country status agreement, signed in March 2024. The agreement establishes the ICRC’s legal status in Romania and sets out …
ICRC Conference on Weapon-Wounded Care
SAVE THE DATE Conference on Weapon-Wounded Care Strengthening the continuum of care in armed conflict The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is pleased to invite you to a conference …
ICRC in 2024: Upholding humanity in conflict
As we approach the end of 2024, we reflect on a horrifying number: 120. More than 120 armed conflicts rage across the globe today. While only a few capture global attention, millions of people …
Information for people affected by the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank
We acknowledge that your current situation is incredibly dangerous and distressing for you and your loved ones. We are very sorry you are experiencing this. Please know that the International …
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ICRC library
Created in 1863, the ICRC library, alongside the ICRC archives, provides an indispensable documentary reference on the organization itself and international humanitarian law.
IHL treaties
International humanitarian law is based on a number of treaties, in particular the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, and a series of other instruments.
Customary IHL
Customary international humanitarian law consists of rules that come from "a general practice accepted as law" and that exist independent of treaty law.