International Humanitarian Law - IHL

Humanity in the midst of war is everyone's concern-a concern that has grown since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. military's involvement in Afghanistan, and now with the war in Iraq. As Americans reluctantly bid "goodbye" to loved ones deployed overseas, they also witness daily news coverage of Iraqi civilians fleeing conflict. At times like this, it is important for people to know the rules and principles that seek to limit the effects of warfare.

Yet few fully understand international humanitarian law (IHL) and how it brings help and hope during war. Today, more than ever, there is great need for the observance of these international rules that limit the effects of war and protect vulnerable groups of people.

Over the years, millions have been spared suffering or death when nations and belligerents show respect for IHL. Wounded soldiers defenseless before an enemy, prisoners of war held far from home, civilians caught in the crossfire, medical and relief workers…their safety and humane treatment are at the core of IHL. Ensuring respect for IHL is the responsibility of nations but also fundamental to the mission of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement worldwide. Since its inception more than 130 years ago, the Red Cross has played an essential role in providing protection and assistance under IHL. When the law is understood and honored, humanity triumphs over hostility.

Today, there is also a great need for compassion and tolerance at home. Religion, heritage, culture and language must not divide us. Expressions about the September 11 tragedy should be respectful of all humanity, regardless of its many different faces. The Red Cross condemns all acts of violence, terror or discrimination and appeals to everyone to join in its humanitarian efforts.

What is International Humanitarian Law?  International Humanitarian Law (IHL) encompasses both humanitarian principles and international treaties that seek to save lives and alleviate suffering of combatants and noncombatants during armed conflict. It's principal legal documents are the Geneva Conventions of 1949, four treaties signed by almost every nation in the world. The Conventions define fundamental rights for combatants removed from the fighting due to injury, illness, or capture, and for civilians. The 1977 Additional Protocols, which supplement the Geneva Conventions, further expand those rights.

Who does IHL protect? Does IHL protect me?    IHL specifically protects wounded, sick or captured members of the armed forces, and civilians. Wounded and sick combatants — to whatever nation they may belong, are to be collected and cared for under the provisions of the First Geneva Convention. They cannot be murdered or subjected to torture or biological experiments. They are to receive adequate care and are to be protected against pillage or ill treatment. The Convention also protects medical workers, military religious personnel, military medical facilities and mobile units.

Wounded, sick, and shipwrecked combatants at sea are protected by the Second Geneva Convention. They receive the same protection as soldiers on land, extended to conditions encountered at sea. Hospital ships are protected.

Prisoners of war (POWs), protected by the Third Geneva Convention, must be treated humanely and provided with adequate housing, food, clothing and medical care. They are not to be subjected to torture or medical experimentation and must be protected against acts of violence, insults, and public curiosity. Captured war correspondents and civilians authorized to accompany the military are also entitled to this status.

Civilians are protected under the Fourth Geneva Convention. At all times, parties to the conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants and direct their operations only against military targets. Civilians must be permitted to live as normally as possible. They are to be protected against murder, torture, pillage, reprisals, indiscriminate destruction of property and being taken hostage. Their honor, family rights, religious convictions and practices are to be respected. Occupying forces shall ensure and allow safe passage of adequate food and medical supplies and the establishment of hospital and safety zones for the wounded, sick, elderly, children, expectant mothers, and mothers of young children. This convention provides special protection for women and children. The hospital staff caring for these individuals are to be respected and protected.

The Geneva Conventions call for humanitarian assistance to be carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies, or other impartial humanitarian organization as authorized by parties to the conflicts.