The ICRC Directorate
The Directorate is the ICRC's executive body, responsible for implementing and overseeing the institutional strategy and general objectives defined by the Assembly and the Assembly Council. The …
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We help people affected by armed conflict
We respond rapidly and efficiently to provide humanitarian protection and assistance to those suffering the devastating effects of armed conflict. We also respond to disasters in conflict zones, …
Topics, debates and disarmament
Civilians are the main victims of IHL violations in today's conflicts. Contemporary conflict brings challenges for IHL in a number of areas, such as new technologies and the classification of …
Privacy policy
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of …
Private philanthropists
Our partnerships with private philanthropists enable us to expand our reach and make a meaningful impact to protect, support and assist those affected by armed conflict and other crises around the …
Our government partnerships
Our partnerships with donor governments enable us to protect and provide crucial humanitarian assistance to people whose lives have been torn apart by armed conflict. Our partnership approach …
Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies
At the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), we believe in the power of partnerships with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Our collaboration is built on shared principles and …
Support us
We are a sign of hope to those whose lives have been shattered by war. Please support us today. Ways to support us How you can support us How you and your business can partner with us Urgent help …
Geneva Conventions and the law
International humanitarian law is based on treaties, in particular the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and a series of other conventions and protocols on specific topics. There is …
South Africa: Restoring family links from Angola to Rwanda
ICRC facilitates family reunification of three unaccompanied children from Angola to Rwanda The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Angolan Red Cross Society (Cruz Vermelha de …
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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.