The weaponization of outer space is not inevitable
Statement delivered by Laurent Gisel, head of the Arms and Conduct of Hostilities Unit, Legal Division, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to the Open-ended Working Group on the …
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Displaced in your homeland: Echoes from Lake Chad’s unending conflict
In the golden hours of the morning, Isiaku walks through a thick rice paddy in Usur village, water lapping gently at his ankles. His steps are slow but guided by a strong determination carved over …
Thailand: Asia-Pacific Symposium discusses IHL and new technologies of warfare
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the Asia-Pacific Symposium on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and New Technologies of Warfare convened military, legal and humanitarian experts from …
Israel and the Occupied Territories: ICRC appalled by harrowing videos of Israeli hostages in Gaza
03-08-2025 Gaza (ICRC) - The ICRC is appalled by the harrowing videos published over the last few days of Israeli hostages held in captivity in Gaza. These videos are stark evidence of the …
Israel and the Occupied Territories: ICRC mourns killing of Palestine Red Crescent Society staff member in Gaza
03-08-2025 Khan Younis (ICRC) - We are appalled to learn that last night, Palestine Red Crescent Society staff member, Omar Mansour Isleem, was killed and two other staff members were injured at the …
Mozambique: ICRC increases its humanitarian response in Mocimboa da Praia
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has opened an office in Mocimboa da Praia district, Cabo Delgado to reach more people directly affected by the consequences of the armed conflict. …
Ethiopia: “Many pregnant women have died due to lack of medicine and health services”
The ongoing conflict in the Oromia region is having a devastating effect on many communities, particularly those in remote areas. Oromia doesn’t make the headlines, yet civilians continue to be …
Iraq: Photography Award 2025
International Committee of the Red Cross & Iraqi Red Crescent Society Welcome to our annual photography contest. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Iraqi Red Crescent Society …
Influencing behavioural change for better prevention of sexual violence in armed conflict
What is the Prevention of Sexual Violence Programme (PSVP)? The ICRC works to influence the behaviour of weapon bearers, civilian authorities, and communities to prevent sexual violence in armed …
Humanitarian Situation Update: Colombia, 2025
Figures from January to May 2025 During the first half of 2025, the humanitarian situation in Colombia deteriorated considerably, with increasingly severe consequences for civilians. The adverse …
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Customary international humanitarian law consists of rules that come from "a general practice accepted as law" and that exist independent of treaty law.