The Geneva Conventions and their Commentaries | ICRC
WEBThe 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are international treaties that contain the most important rules limiting the barbarity of war. They protect people who do not take part in the fighting (civilians, medics, aid workers) and those who can no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war). The rules ...
Frequently asked questions on the rules of war | ICRC
WEBInternational humanitarian law (IHL) is a set of rules that seeks, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict. It protects persons who do not, or no longer, take part in the fighting (including civilians, medics, aid workers, wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war or other detainees), and imposes limits on ...
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement | ICRC
WEBAbout the Movement. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network of 80 million people that helps those facing disaster, conflict, and health and social challenges. The Movement consists of the ICRC, 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red ...
Who we are | ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross
WEBThe ICRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which also comprises 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Our mandate and mission | ICRC
WEBWe promote humanitarian values and principles through our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts. We work to raise awareness about the impact of armed conflicts on civilians, advocate for the rights and protection of vulnerable people, and foster respect for international humanitarian law among states, armed groups and other relevant actors.
Our Fundamental Principles | ICRC
WEBHumanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality: these seven Fundamental Principles are an ethical, operational and institutional framework that underpin the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. They are at the heart of the Movement’s humanitarian activities to help people ...
Our history | ICRC
WEBThe history that informs our work. Our story is the story of humanitarian action, the Geneva Conventions and the birth of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Since 1863, the ICRC’s sole objective has been to ensure protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and strife. We do so through direct action around the ...
Prisoners of war: What you need to know | ICRC
WEBPoW status is regulated by the Third Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I. Article 13 of the Third Geneva Convention, an essential article for the protection of POWs. (1) Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated. Any unlawful act or omission by the Detaining Power causing death or seriously endangering the health of a ...
Protected persons: Prisoners of war and detainees | ICRC
WEBProtected persons: Prisoners of war and detainees. The Third Geneva Convention protects prisoners of war. It defines their rights and sets out detailed rules for their treatment and release. International humanitarian law also protects other people deprived of their liberty in connection with armed conflict. Detainees and IHL. What the law says.
WEBInternational Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Opinion Paper, March 2008. The States parties to the 1949 Geneva Conventions have entrusted the ICRC, through the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, "to work for the understanding and dissemination of knowledge of international humanitarian law applicable in armed ...