As states increasingly focus on strengthening their defense capabilities, discussions on military preparedness are gaining prominence, particularly in relation to large-scale conflicts. Such conflicts, involving major powers, advanced weaponry, and extensive resources, would unfold with considerable intensity, scale, and tempo. The humanitarian consequences would be far-reaching and severe, potentially causing mass casualties, mass displacement, and the disruption of essential services. The Geneva Conventions, adopted in the aftermath of two world wars, were designed precisely to help mitigate the suffering in armed conflict. Yet ratification alone is not enough: for these rules to be upheld in practice, extensive legal and operational preparations must begin in times of peace.
This introductory post sets the stage for a new series examining the steps needed to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) in large-scale conflicts. Isabelle Gallino, ICRC Prevention Adviser, and Sylvain Vité, ICRC Senior Legal Adviser, argue that states must do more than recognize their legal obligations. Applicable rules must be understood, internalized, and backed by legal and practical measures today if they are to be effective once an armed conflict erupts. Ultimately, failure to prepare can undermine even the best-intentioned efforts to comply with IHL.
As states increasingly focus on strengthening their defense capabilities, discussions on military preparedness are gaining prominence, particularly in relation to large-scale conflicts. Such conflicts, involving major powers, advanced weaponry, and extensive resources, would unfold with considerable intensity, scale, and tempo. The humanitarian consequences would be far-reaching and severe, potentially causing mass casualties, mass displacement, and the disruption of essential services. The Geneva Conventions, adopted in the aftermath of two world wars, were designed precisely to help mitigate the suffering in armed conflict. Yet ratification alone is not enough: for these rules to be upheld in practice, extensive legal and operational preparations must begin in times of peace.
This introductory post sets the stage for a new series examining the steps needed to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) in large-scale conflicts. Isabelle Gallino, ICRC Prevention Adviser, and Sylvain Vité, ICRC Senior Legal Adviser, argue that states must do more than recognize their legal obligations. Applicable rules must be understood, internalized, and backed by legal and practical measures today if they are to be effective once an armed conflict erupts. Ultimately, failure to prepare can undermine even the best-intentioned efforts to comply with IHL.
It has been 26 years since the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) came into force. Since then, many landmines have been destroyed and declared off-limits by certain states. However, numerous countries and territories continue to feel the devastating legacy of explosive remnants.
As we observe the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April, we take this opportunity to reaffirm the global commitment enshrined in the APMBC. The pursuit of security for one must never come at the expense of another.
May this day serve not only as a moment of reflection, but also as a renewed call to action toward a mine-free world. Explore real-life case studies of respect for IHL that have led to demining through IHL in Action.
It has been 26 years since the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) came into force. Since then, many landmines have been destroyed and declared off-limits by certain states. However, numerous countries and territories continue to feel the devastating legacy of explosive remnants.
As we observe the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April, we take this opportunity to reaffirm the global commitment enshrined in the APMBC. The pursuit of security for one must never come at the expense of another.
May this day serve not only as a moment of reflection, but also as a renewed call to action toward a mine-free world. Explore real-life case studies of respect for IHL that have led to demining through IHL in Action.
This guide is intended to advance the clearance of landmines from border areas where political will exists. It aims to inform both affected and donor states about a range of approaches and frameworks for planning and implementing cross-border or near-border demining activities.
The publication also identifies key considerations for ensuring effective and efficient implementation, drawing on existing practices in humanitarian mine action, as well as methodologies from infrastructure projects and complex change programmes.
This guide is intended to advance the clearance of landmines from border areas where political will exists. It aims to inform both affected and donor states about a range of approaches and frameworks for planning and implementing cross-border or near-border demining activities.
The publication also identifies key considerations for ensuring effective and efficient implementation, drawing on existing practices in humanitarian mine action, as well as methodologies from infrastructure projects and complex change programmes.
This first article on Emerging Voice series examines patterns of attacks on hospitals, the legal frameworks meant to protect them, and the urgent need for stronger compliance mechanisms.
This first article on Emerging Voice series examines patterns of attacks on hospitals, the legal frameworks meant to protect them, and the urgent need for stronger compliance mechanisms.
Explore how environmental destruction in armed conflict remain an issue and how refining legal definitions could strengthen prosecution under international law.
Explore how environmental destruction in armed conflict remain an issue and how refining legal definitions could strengthen prosecution under international law.
Revisit the historical contributions of Islamic law by delegates from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Syria, highlighted during the Diplomatic Conference that led to the adoption of the 1977 Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions.
Revisit the historical contributions of Islamic law by delegates from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Syria, highlighted during the Diplomatic Conference that led to the adoption of the 1977 Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions.
🔗 Connect Through Our LinkedIn
🔗 Connect Through Our LinkedIn
We are pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated LinkedIn Page: ICRC Humanitarian Law and Policy. This new space serves as a hub for thought leadership on IHL and the evolving policies shaping humanitarian action.
Follow us to stay informed on IHL discussion and discover new resources that can help you stay connected to global IHL conversation.
We’re also excited to share that ICRC content is now available in Spanish and Portugueseon dedicated LinkedIn pages.
We are pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated LinkedIn Page: ICRC Humanitarian Law and Policy. This new space serves as a hub for thought leadership on IHL and the evolving policies shaping humanitarian action.
Follow us to stay informed on IHL discussion and discover new resources that can help you stay connected to global IHL conversation.
We’re also excited to share that ICRC content is now available in Spanish and Portugueseon dedicated LinkedIn pages.
Access 120+ treaties, Commentaries, and IHL resources, online or offline, with the ICRC’s updated IHL App. Now faster and more reliable (v3.1.1), download now from AppStore, Microsoft, or Google Play.
Access 120+ treaties, Commentaries, and IHL resources, online or offline, with the ICRC’s updated IHL App. Now faster and more reliable (v3.1.1), download now from AppStore, Microsoft, or Google Play.
Some rules of IHL are applicable in peacetime, while others persist beyond the cessation of hostilities. This recently published issue of the Review examines the intricate relationship between IHL and peace. The contributions featured in this issue reveal that this relationship is far more nuanced and multi-dimensional than it might initially appear.
Some rules of IHL are applicable in peacetime, while others persist beyond the cessation of hostilities. This recently published issue of the Review examines the intricate relationship between IHL and peace. The contributions featured in this issue reveal that this relationship is far more nuanced and multi-dimensional than it might initially appear.
Revisit this powerful speech by ICRC Vice President Dr. Gilles Carbonnier. Delivered in Oman, it highlights the shared values between Islamic law and IHL. It calls for stronger global commitment to protect humanity in war.
Revisit this powerful speech by ICRC Vice President Dr. Gilles Carbonnier. Delivered in Oman, it highlights the shared values between Islamic law and IHL. It calls for stronger global commitment to protect humanity in war.
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.
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.
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