"Widening hostilities across the Middle East are putting civilian lives in grave danger. The scale of major military operations flaring across the Middle East risks embroiling the region – and beyond – into another large-scale armed conflict that will overwhelm any humanitarian response. Without urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and respect the rules of war, further civilian lives will be lost. Civilians are already suffering the consequences of war. All parties to armed conflict have an obligation to uphold the rules of war, which are unequivocal. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be spared from hostilities. Schools must remain sanctuaries for learning where children can feel safe and protected from attacks, and hospitals must remain sanctuaries for saving lives. Medical personnel and first responders, such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, must be protected in all circumstances and be able to carry out their work safely. All parties must allow and facilitate safe and unrestricted access for impartial humanitarian assistance to reach those in need."
"Widening hostilities across the Middle East are putting civilian lives in grave danger. Without urgent steps to de-escalate the situation and respect the rules of war, further civilian lives will be lost."
Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC president: ms.spr.ly/63329QdvPP
02.03.2026 16:47
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Head of Policy & Research Unit
Head of Policy & Research Unit
Excellent opportunity to work with a great team @icrc.org 👇
careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%...
24.02.2026 16:19
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What is the ICRC Advisory Service? | International Humanitarian Law
YouTube video by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
The @icrc.org Advisory Service on International Humanitarian Law #IHL supports states in translating their international obligations into domestic legislation, policy and practice to create a universal culture of compliance with #IHL.
Here’s how👇
youtu.be/bPJT2H4czj4
24.02.2026 17:00
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A brand new blog symposium on a brand new Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention. The previous commentary dated from 1956, 70 years ago! A few things happened since then …
20.02.2026 11:59
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Protecting civilians in good faith: a joint symposium on the updated ICRC Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention
When law is read in good faith, it becomes a shield. GC IV’s purpose is simple: protect human beings in war.
⚖️We're delighted to co-host a joint symposium with @justsecurity.org and @ejiltalk.bsky.social on the updated @icrc.org Commentary on the GC IV.
Following 5 years of research, it consolidates 70+ years of law and practice to guide civilian protection today.
Read more → bit.ly/3OiPkOU
17.02.2026 12:23
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The harder it is, the more urgent it becomes.
The Global #IHL Initiative announces that the High-Level Conference on Humanity in War will take place in Jordan Q4 2026.
Leaders must show political courage to defend the rules of war.
icrc.org/en/statement/g…
#GenevaConventions
24.01.2026 09:21
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Important notice: AI-generated archival and legal references
📢 Attention researchers and students! Just because your favorite AI chatbot 🤖 says something, doesn’t mean it’s true! This applies to #IHL and #ICRC sources too. Stay critical and informed! More info 👇 Please check and share widely! #ScientificResearch #SearchEthics #Reliability #SourceCheck
07.01.2026 11:08
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Dignity in death: International humanitarian law and the protection of the deceased in war
Helen Obregón Gieseken: Senior Legal Adviser, International Committee of the
How international humanitarian law protects the dead & their families during and after armed conflicts + key practical recommendations for States and parties to conflict. #IHL
Important article by my colleagues Helen Obregón & @ximenalondono.bsky.social:
21.11.2025 16:07
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Reaffirming the obligation to protect medical facilities and support their functioning
Does IHL create an obligation to ensure that medical facilities receive adequate supplies? If so, what practical measures are required?
🏥 Even when #hospitals aren’t attacked, supply restrictions can quietly shut them down.
Today’s post looks at what #IHL requires to keep medical facilities functioning, from allowing medical consignments to enabling essential services.
Read more: bit.ly/4o97XkB
20.11.2025 11:14
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ICRC president: Use of explosive weapons in populated areas requires a collective response
“What kind of warfare are we prepared to accept?”
@ICRC
President warns that explosive weapons with wide-area effects should be avoided in populated areas. Civilian harm is predictable — and preventable.
🔗 icrc.org/en/statement...
#EWIPA #IHL #ProtectionOfCivilians #UrbanWarfare
21.11.2025 08:26
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For the next two days, 900 families across 50 countries will gather to transform pain into purpose in the International Conference for Families of Missing Persons.
Learn more here: missingpersons.icrc.org/events/watch...
11.11.2025 14:54
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Under the rules of war, parties to conflicts must help families find answers about missing loved ones.
@corduladroege.bsky.social, ICRC's chief legal officer, explains what this means in practical terms for families 👇🏽
11.11.2025 18:00
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The use of artificial intelligence #AI in armed conflict detention is no longer a distant prospect. To be compliant with international humanitarian law #IHL, it must remain human-centred and follow clear principles and safeguards.
13.11.2025 19:47
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Sudan: Leaders must now show political courage to stop the killing and ensure that parties to the conflict return to the rules of war. All states have the obligation not only to uphold international humanitarian law in their own conduct but also to ensure that others do the same.
02.11.2025 13:08
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EVENT: From Hackers to Tech Companies: IHL and the Involvement of Civilians in ICT Activities in Armed Conflict
📅 The “From Hackers to Tech Companies: IHL and the Involvement of Civilians in ICT Activities in Armed Conflict” event is happening next week!
Join this interactive expert discussion on key legal questions to limit civilian involvement & prevent IHL violations.
🔗 Register now → bit.ly/48EZ0ev
29.10.2025 12:14
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Sixty years on: why the Fundamental Principles must be lived, not just remembered
The Fundamental Principles are living commitments that must be exercised and defended, to keep humanity alive in the darkest of times.
The fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are practical tools necessary to carry out our humanitarian mission.
States parties to the Geneva Conventions are bound at all times to respect our adherence to these Principles.
blogs.icrc.org/law-and-poli...
23.10.2025 14:09
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YouTube
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
📢Watch here the launch of the progress report of the Global initiative to galvanize political commitment for international humanitarian law - the product of consultations with 130 states, expert meetings and events around the world:
#IHL
youtube.com/live/-SzsS0NHG… via @YouTube
17.10.2025 18:06
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"We know that the families won't give up on their loved ones, and neither will we – we are prepared to fulfil our role for as long as it takes, and as agreed by the parties. It is the responsibility of the parties to search for, collect, and evacuate human remains. The parties must endeavor to facilitate the return of the remains of the deceased to their families. The ICRC can fulfil its functions as a neutral intermediary only through the cooperation of all actors, and within the framework of the current agreement.”
Israel and the Occupied Territories | Last night, we facilitated the transfer of four deceased hostages to Israeli authorities.
Our teams also facilitated the transfer of 45 deceased Palestinians to Gaza.
Read more: ms.spr.ly/63326s4Tdn
15.10.2025 07:34
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We urge the dignified management of the deceased as we continue the operations to facilitate the transfer of human remains as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Families grieving the loss of their loved ones have already endured unimaginable pain. All parties must ensure that the return of human remains is done under dignified conditions, and uphold dignity and humanity. We call on the parties and the mediators to ensure the agreement is faithfully applied and the remains of the deceased are returned to grieving families. It is a pivotal task and an essential element for the full implementation of the agreement.
We urge the dignified management of the deceased as we continue the operations to facilitate the transfer of human remains as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel & Hamas.
Families grieving the loss of their loved ones have already endured unimaginable pain.
ms.spr.ly/63322sNSsC
14.10.2025 10:11
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Today, we facilitated the safe return of 20 hostages to Israeli authorities and 1,809 Palestinian detainees to Gaza and the West Bank. Our teams also transferred the remains of four deceased hostages to Israeli authorities. We stand ready to further support the transfer of remains of the deceased, as per the agreement between the parties. Relevant actors must abide by their commitments to uphold human dignity, and end the pain and suffering endured by so many.
Today, we facilitated the safe return of 20 hostages to Israeli authorities & 1,809 Palestinian detainees to Gaza and the West Bank.
We call for the continued implementation of the agreement to allow families to receive their loved ones for dignified burial.
Read more: www.icrc.org/en/news-rele...
13.10.2025 17:11
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The @icrc.org has started a multi-phase complex operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages and detainees as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, at the request of the parties. It is crucial to reuniting separated families.
www.icrc.org/en/news...
13.10.2025 07:13
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Armed conflicts in the world today: The data
Beyond physically helping people caught up in war, at the International Committee of the Red Cross, our legal experts analyse and classify wars. Why do we do this? Because recognizing a conflict under international law forms the basis of our confidentially dialogue with warring parties and their le
And learn about some overarching conflict trends by watching this short video clip:
02.10.2025 08:05
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How is an “armed conflict” legally defined and why do definitions matter?
Legally defining and classifying armed conflicts has real-world consequences. Warring parties must know and respect international humanitarian law and preserve humanity in the chaos of war. In this video, the ICRC's Chief Legal Officer, Cordula Droege, explains how a war or “armed conflict” is defin
What is the legal definition of an "armed conflict"? This is more than theory; answer to this question impacts real lives and responsibilities for warring parties, states and non-state armed groups.
Watch this explainer by @corduladroege.bsky.social
02.10.2025 08:05
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Humanity in War
You can find information on the Global Initiative to galvanise political commitment for #IHL at www.upholdhumanityinwar.org/documentation, including
✅ Workstreams
✅ Next events and consultations
✅ Statements from states in previous consultations
22.09.2025 20:43
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Self-defense groups play an important role in today’s conflicts. This raises serious risks.
What are the legal obligations coming with the use of self-defense groups by parties to armed conflict, or when they act independently?
How to ensure respect for IHL and better protection of civilians?
19.09.2025 09:35
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