Afghanistan: ICRC responds to deadly earthquake
On Sunday August 31st, a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, causing widespread destruction in Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman provinces. Hundreds of casualties have been …
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Afghanistan: Swift response needed to help those hit by devastating earthquake
02-09-2025 The following is a statement attributable to Katharina Ritz, head of delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Afghanistan: The devastating earthquake that …
Youth Think Tank Salon｜Humanitarian Action and Development Finance: Advancing Sustainable Public Goods Provision in Protracted Crises
On August 30, 2025, the “Youth Think Tank Salon” was held in Beijing by the China-International Development Think Tank Alliance and the Institute of International Development Cooperation (IIDC) of …
Second round of consultations for the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL
Following the first round of consultations hosted between April and June 2025, the ICRC and the 25 co-chairs of the Global IHL Initiative are pleased to announce the second round of consultations, …
Distribution of food and essential household items to South Sudanese returnees in Gok Machar
The conflict in Sudan has left thousands dead and displaced more than 13 million people from their homes. Out of the total, South Sudan hosts an estimated 1.1 million Sudanese refugees and South …
“The Man from Egypt”: Why I left the comfort of the operating room to work in conflict zones
From the operating rooms where life battles death, Egyptian anesthesiologist Dr. Aktham Al-Farnawani recounts his journey from advanced hospitals to those functioning in tents amid crises. In his …
Moldova: 2025 International Humanitarian Law Essay Competition for Students
Chișinău, 1 September – 15 October 2025 The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in cooperation with the Moldovan Association of International Law, invites students to participate in an …
Israel and the occupied territories: ICRC reiterates call to release hostages after release of distressing video
Hostage-taking is strictly prohibited under to international humanitarian law. All forms of public exposure that humiliate persons deprived of liberty and endanger their safety must be avoided. We …
Nigeria: January to June 2025 Facts and Figures
January - June 2025 Armed conflict in Northeast Nigeria has displaced over 2.2 million people and severely impacted access to food, healthcare, and basic services. Civilian casualties continue to …
Supporting Syrian Families of the Missing
As part of the ICRC’s ongoing efforts to support Syrian families of missing persons who are residing in Jordan, the ICRC has developed a leaflet on Protection of Family Links, containing essential …
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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.