Introduction to International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

International Humanitarian Law is everyone's concern. In a world where warfare and civil strife are a daily reality for millions, International Humanitarian Law provides a framework for protection for civilians and combatants alike.

The conduct for warfare as embodied by IHL is laid out in the Geneva Conventions of 1949. The American Red Cross has a unique mandate to educate the American public about the guiding principles and IHL framework as it applies to the protection of members of the armed forces including prisoners of war and civilians.

Click here to visit the Red Cross web site to access more information abou the IHL.