Learning and teaching IHL
The ICRC supports the teaching of humanitarian law and principles, promoting respect for the life and dignity of people affected by conflict. We emphasize IHL teaching at leading universities to …
Skip to main content
Search results
Physical rehabilitation
After a life-changing injury, physical rehabilitation is the key to a full and independent life. Helping those wounded in armed conflict to recover functioning and live a full life. Bringing …
Respect for IHL
States and other parties to armed conflict have an obligation to "respect and to ensure respect for" IHL "in all circumstances" (Art. 1 common to the Geneva Conventions). They must use their …
Dialogue with weapon bearers
It is those who carry weapons who can kill – and be killed. It is also they who can facilitate or hinder humanitarian action. The ICRC therefore maintains a dialogue with all weapon bearers, State …
Protected persons: Civilians
Over the past 60 years, civilians have been the main victims of war. Protecting civilians and their property during armed conflict is therefore a cornerstone of international humanitarian law (IHL). …
Protected persons: Migrants, refugees, asylum seekers
According to the ICRC’s definition, migrants are people who leave or flee their usual place of residence in search of safety or better opportunities abroad, and who may be in distress and in need of …
Explosive weapons in populated areas
Armed conflicts are increasingly fought in urban areas, but often with weapon systems that were originally designed for use in open battlefields. When used in populated areas, explosive weapons with …
Weapons and law enforcement operations
States often face situations in which officials must use force to maintain or restore public security, law and order in armed conflicts or other situations of violence. Weapons, law enforcement and …
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Try one of the following resources:
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.