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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Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law
Calling for humanity to be upheld in war The Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law Despite a global consensus supporting the Geneva Conventions, …
The members of the International Committee of the Red Cross
Mirjana Spoljaric Egger President Prior to taking up the Presidency of the ICRC in October 2022, Ms. Spoljaric served as the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator of the …
Criminal repression of IHL violations
When violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) occur, states are under an obligation to prosecute alleged offenders. Domestic courts therefore play an important role in enforcing IHL and …
Protected persons: Children
Under international humanitarian law, children affected by armed conflict are entitled to special respect and protection. Highlight Children should be at school, not at war From our archives: …
Autonomous weapons
Autonomous weapons are not a work of science fiction from a distant dystopian future. They are an immediate cause of humanitarian concern and demand an urgent, international political response. …
Protected persons: Persons with disabilities
International humanitarian law (IHL) includes provisions to protect people with disabilities during times of armed conflict and other violence. Highlights ICRC preparing for major expansion of sports …
Arms transfers
The widespread and poorly regulated availability of weapons facilitates violations of international humanitarian law and hampers the delivery of assistance to victims. Strengthening and enforcing …
Helping detainees
Every detainee deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness, regardless of the reason for their arrest and detention. Protecting and assisting people deprived of their liberty Ensuring respect …
Health
Everybody has a right to health care – even in war. We don’t take sides, and we will always uphold our principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence in the course of our work. We …
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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.