LAW & POLICY NEWSLETTER

A call to make international humanitarian law a political priority

As the devastating impacts of armed conflicts continue to mount, civilians are enduring unimaginable suffering. Violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) are compounding these crises, while emerging threats such as autonomous weapons and cyber warfare add new dimensions to the challenges facing humanity. Despite the universal ratification of the Geneva Conventions, the erosion of respect for these fundamental rules of war endangers lives, infrastructure, and the fragile prospects for peace.

In this post, ICRC President Mirjana Sporjalic outlines the pressing need for states to join the Global Initiative on international humanitarian law. By reaffirming their commitment to this much-needed body of law, states can ensure the protection of civilians, restore dignity to those affected by conflict, and build a pathway toward sustainable peace. The time to act is now, and the Global Initiative offers a platform for collective action to uphold the rules that safeguard humanity.

Canada’s first voluntary IHL report: a step forward with opportunities for improvement

Uncover the analysis of Canada's first voluntary report on IHL implementation, focusing on its successes and omissions to enhance future reports as tools for increasing IHL respect and accountability.

‘Hybrid threats’, ‘grey zones’, ‘competition’, and ‘proxies’: When is it actually war?

Explore how ‘hybrid threats,’ ‘grey zones,’ and ‘proxy warfare’ impact the classification of armed conflicts, emphasizing the importance of legal criteria over political narratives to ensure the protections afforded by IHL are upheld.

War in cities: a solemn appeal from the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Discover the impact of urban warfare on civilians and the importance of coordinated efforts to mitigate harm and uphold IHL, as emphasized by the Solemn Appeal on War in Cities adopted at the 34th International Conference.

📅 Mark your Calendars

Join us for the 13th Paul Reuter Prize Award Ceremony hosted by the ICRC on February 12th. Celebrate with us as we honor significant contributions to the field of IHL and reveal this year’s laureate. The event will feature a laudatio for the laureate, a panel discussion with IHL experts, and the formal award presentation. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on the interpretation and impact of IHL in today’s complex conflict scenarios. 

Apply now for the 16th Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers, hosted by the ICRC and the Geneva Academy, from August 25–29, 2025, in Geneva. This seminar will enhance your expertise in teaching, researching, and applying IHL in the context of armed conflicts. The application deadline is February 28, 2025, with only 40 spots available. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of IHL at this seminar. 

📝 International Review of the Red Cross

The International Review of the Red Cross (IRRC) has launched its latest edition, “Selected Articles.” While most issues share a unifying theme, this special edition gathers remarkable work from exceptional scholars and practitioners that does not fit neatly into upcoming themes. Submitted through our general submissions inbox, these articles cover a wide range of topics within humanitarian law, policy, and action. Each has enormous potential to contribute to the existing literature and ongoing debates in their respective fields.

Meanwhile, the Review continues to accept proposals for its ongoing theme, "Upholding Humanity in War." This call for papers seeks legal and policy perspectives and recommendations related to one of the seven workstreams of the global initiative launched by the ICRC in September 2024. Contributions can be submitted in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese, with a submission deadline of February 15, 2025.

💡 In the Spotlight

Missing persons: responding to uncertainty is a legal and humanitarian imperative

Over 46,000 persons are missing in the Russia-Ukraine international armed conflict, leaving families in anguish yet hopeful. This podcast explores how the Geneva Conventions help ease their suffering and provide answers.

“Criminal Repression of IHL Violations”: new highlight on How does Law Protect in War?

The highlight discusses the obligation of states to investigate and prosecute serious violations of IHL, emphasizing the role of criminal repression in enforcing IHL and deterring future breaches.

New guidance for private businesses on armed conflict and IHL

This guide explains why, when and how IHL is relevant to private businesses. It provides a general introduction to IHL and highlights the most pertinent rules and protections.

🔖 Missed any of these? 

Contribute to "Emerging Voices" in IHL: Share your insights and influence the discourse on humanitarian law and policy.

Follow the ICRC Humanitarian Law & Policy Page on LinkedIn to never miss an update on all things IHL and policy. 

For the millions of people in countries reliant on humanitarian assistance, greater support is desperately needed to save lives and avert further suffering. You can help the people you are reading about.

Was this email forwarded to you?

Subscribe here to receive ICRC's monthly Law & Policy Newsletter. 

BLOG

EVENTS

REVIEW