The number of conflicts continues to rise – with the ICRC currently classifying some 130 armed conflicts worldwide – while at the same time, they are rarely brought to an end. The human suffering they cause is devastating and hard to comprehend. But wars are not inevitable – and the best way to end the suffering they cause is to end conflicts or prevent them from breaking out in the first place. In the absence of effective efforts to find sustainable political solutions, humanitarian organizations like the ICRC are often left to manage the suffering caused by these conflicts, which affect civilians most of all. Political will to reinvest in international cooperation, conflict prevention, and resolution is urgently needed. While humanitarian action cannot substitute for political action, humanitarian actors can contribute to the prospects for peace.  

In this post, ICRC Policy Advisers Ariana Lopes Morey and Avigail Shai outline key reflections on the ICRC’s direct and indirect contributions to an environment conducive to peace.  Drawing on case studies and other research, they identify three primary areas of the ICRC’s humanitarian action – its work with communities, in dialogue with parties to conflict and other influential actors, and in building respect for human dignity through laws, norms and institutions – which can strengthen prospects for peace. While focused on the ICRC’s own work, many of these reflections can apply more broadly to other organizations who strive to address the humanitarian impacts of conflict on people. This article is also available in Arabic and Spanish, with Chinese, French, and Portuguese coming soon.

📑 In Case You Missed it

The risks and legal limits of involving ‘self-defence groups’ in non-international armed conflict (NIAC)

Why we must defend humanitarian storytelling in a divided world

Complying with IHL in large-scale conflict (LSC): navigating complexities in the Asia-Pacific

📅 Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Events!

Join us for "From hackers to tech companies: IHL and the involvement of civilians in ICT activities during armed conflict" on 4 November, organized by the ICRC and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. This event will launch a new joint report, with panelists presenting its findings and addressing pressing legal questions, while advancing practical proposals for states, technology companies, and humanitarian actors to limit civilian involvement in digital operations, reduce harm, and prevent violations of IHL.

📝 International Review of the Red Cross

📢 Call for Papers - Before War: Prepare to Comply with International Humanitarian Law

The International Review of the Red Cross (IRRC) invites proposals for a thematic edition entitled “Before War: Prepare to Comply with International Humanitarian Law”. This edition will examine how states and other stakeholders prepare during peacetime for compliance with IHL in case of armed conflict, whether international or non-international, exploring multiple angles - legal, operational, humanitarian, military and policy. The IRRC welcomes anyone interested to submit a proposal by 1 December 2025, consisting of an abstract of maximum 500 words, as well as a biography of maximum 300 words. Contributions can be submitted in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. 

💡 In the Spotlight

Was this email forwarded to you?

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