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 …
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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 …
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 …
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 …
Sanctions and Counter-terrorism measures
Over the past two decades, states and international organizations have increasingly resorted to sanctions and counter-terrorism measures to attempt to change the behaviour of designated individuals …
Techplomacy
Techplomacy is how diplomatic relations and dialogue serve as a connecting bridge between governments, civil society and tech companies on global digital policy and emerging technological issues. …
Foundation for the ICRC
The Foundation for the ICRC was established in 1931 to help the ICRC fulfil its vital humanitarian mission in both peacetime and wartime. Who we are The period between the First World War and the …
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 …
Nuclear weapons
Since the only use of nuclear weapons in 1945, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has been calling on states to ensure they are never used again. Today more than ever, states …
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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.