Frequently asked questions: Rules of war
… conflict'. IHL is made up of treaties ( the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are … forces or non-State armed groups. The Geneva Conventions , which are central to IHL, …
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ICRC president: Upholding international humanitarian law is crucial to reducing escalating costs of war
… humanitarian mandate that stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It helps people around …
Sudan faces health crisis as conflict devastates medical infrastructure
… humanitarian mandate that stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It helps people around …
Democratic People's Republic of Korea: ICRC activities in December 2019
… War, emergency preparedness, promotion of Geneva Conventions and capacity-building of the …
Bangladesh: Regional experts mull over challenges in IHL implementation
… the backdrop of the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. Calling for greater partnerships, …
Philippines: Focusing on humanitarian action in 2024
… commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions FACTS AND FIGURES PHILIPPINES: … commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions 40 MILLION PHP …
Autonomous weapons: Decisions to kill and destroy are a human responsibility
… on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, held in Geneva from 11-16 April. The International …
Azerbaijan: Dozens of families received answers they were waiting for
… ones. This right is also enshrined in the Geneva Conventions of 1949. In line with its …
Israel and the occupied territories: The ICRC urges protection for Gaza civilians evacuating and staying behind
… humanitarian mandate that stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It helps people around …
Mexico: Promoting an environment of respect for human life and dignity
… of force. When States become parties to the Geneva Conventions, they undertake to disseminate and …
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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.