Africa is the continent with the highest missing persons caseload, the highest number of unaccompanied children, and the highest number of family reunifications, based on ICRC-registered cases as from the end of June. “The issue of missing persons, …
The event included families of missing persons and featured a poignant photo exhibition that will be open to the public until September 4th. The exhibit showcases 26 photos and a group of stories that shed light on the inspiring journeys of these families, …
An airstrike kills dozens of civilians. Rockets obliterate a hospital. Military forces block humanitarian convoys at checkpoints, leaving victims of war with no food or medical supplies. Such acts are abhorrent, painful to see, and much worse to …
The briefing session was attended by over 107 people, including Ambassadors representing African Member States, RECs, REMs, Key AU organs, UNESCO, and other key partners. The Head of Delegation highlighted the devastating impact of armed conflict on …
In Iraq, many people have gone missing in different rounds of conflicts, with countless still remaining unaccounted for. The ICRC has documented 618 new cases of missing persons from January – June 2024, while the fate and whereabouts of 208 persons have …
The purpose of consent is to build trust and show respect to the person whose image and content you’re capturing. In every situation possible, we try to get written consent before photographing or filming. In the rare cases where it’s not possible – and …
The hostilities come at a time when the country remains stuck in a political and institutional vacuum and has been struggling with a severe socioeconomic crisis of over four years that has affected the population, as well as institutions and any type of …
The influx of refugees and returnees escaping the conflict in Sudan, has brought additional stress on local communities already living with limited resources. However, despite their own dire circumstances, the locals have unconditionally welcomed the …
In Iraq, families of missing persons face immense difficulties in accessing necessary official documentation, which is critical for their day-to-day lives, impacting their legal status and access to various services. Recognizing these challenges, in …
Despite numerous efforts, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has not managed to bring humanitarian relief into the city to this day. We call on the parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law …
Today, the Geneva Conventions have been accepted by every state in the world, and most African states have also adopted the Additional Protocols of 1977. In addition, many African states have played a key role in developing more recent IHL treaties. Indeed …
Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you for the opportunity to address the Tenth Conference of State Parties to the Arms Trade Treaty. A week ago, for the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, I urged the world to recommit to …
The Geneva Conventions are the foundational treaties of international humanitarian law and a remarkable success in many ways. That’s the opening you would expect from me 75 years after their adoption on August 12, 1949. However, I want to propose a …
“Attacks that harm or kill civilians, including humanitarian workers and medical personnel, have become tragically frequent in armed conflicts. It is unacceptable that civilians—or those dedicated to helping them—should face such danger. Whenever …
A major portion of our work involved supporting national authorities to clarify what happened to the people who went missing in connection with the conflict, increasing awareness on the dangers of mines and other unexploded ordnance, and providing …
At the heart of the ICRC's humanitarian actions has always been technology. The history of communication devices ICRC used in the past ㅡ which were cutting-edge at the time ㅡ provides glimpses into the efforts the ICRC has made to assist people going …
In the digital era, the means and methods of warfare have evolved with an increasing number of digital risks that have the potential to exacerbate or change conflict dynamics and to increase the risk of intentional and unintended harm for affected …
The event gathers more than 120 participants from the embassies of around 60 countries in China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Red Cross Society of China, public institutions, and thinktanks. The 75th anniversary of the …
“When we have more respect for the rules of war—fewer destroyed homes, fewer war crimes, less cruelty and hatred—some of the roadblocks to sustainable peace-making can be avoided. Whenever the brutality of war is limited by affirming the importance of IHL, …
Your Excellency, Ambassador Burri of Switzerland, Director General Ma Xinmin of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, - and Representatives - of the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva …
