Counterterrorism and sanctions
Terrorism is a live threat in today’s world – and one that causes immeasurable human suffering. The international community has worked to confront this threat through a patchwork of counterterrorism …
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Weapons in outer space
While space objects have been employed for military purposes since the dawn of the space era, the weaponization of outer space would increase the likelihood of hostilities taking place there, with …
Use of emblems
The red cross, red crescent and red crystal emblems provide protection for military medical services and relief workers in armed conflicts. National Societies in each country also use the emblems for …
Sexual violence
Rape and other forms of sexual violence are prohibited in armed conflict under international humanitarian law. The ICRC works to prevent this crime and support survivors . Sexual violence and the law …
Nuclear weapons
Since the only use of nuclear weapons in 1945, the world has wrestled with the issue of how international humanitarian law applies to such weapons. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent …
IHL and Islamic Law
The interplay between international humanitarian law (IHL) and Islamic law of war Islamic law of war In our engagement with communities affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, …
ICRC Library
Created in 1863, the ICRC’s library represents alongside the ICRC’s archives the essential documentary reference on our organization and international humanitarian law. Our main resources ICRC …
Responding to sexual violence
Sexual violence is widespread, preventable and never acceptable. No one, without exception, should ever be subjected to any form of sexual violence. Sexual violence is usually part of a pattern of …
Protection
We protect people affected by war and armed conflict by advocating for their rights and providing life-saving assistance – at all stages of hostilities. We also work to minimize the vulnerabilities …
Our Fundamental Principles
Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality: these are the Fundamental Principles that guide and define our work. The seven Fundamental Principles …
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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.