ICRC✓

Sometimes, a single meeting can change the lives of millions. On 29 October 1863, in Geneva, Switzerland, 16 states and philanthropic societies gathered to shape the future of humanitarian action. Their discussions laid the foundations for national relief societies, the Red Cross emblem and the protection of the wounded and those caring for them. Over 163 years later, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world.

Conflicts without end. Egregious violations of the law. A diminished humanitarian response. Millions of people paying the price. Hear from communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Ukraine, and learn more about what must be done. Read the full report 👉🏽

📍Ethiopia | In Tigray, @ICRCEthiopia provided medical supplies to Chercher Health Centre and hospitals in Alamata, Mahoni, and Maychew. Healthcare facilities, personnel and patients must be protected during armed conflict. We continue to support access to healthcare for those affected.

RT @ICRCEthiopia: In Tigray, we provided medical supplies to Chercher Health Centre and hospitals in Alamata, Mahoni, and Maychew in the Southern zone. Healthcare facilities, personnel, & patients must be protected during conflict. We continue to support access to healthcare for those affected.

How can international humanitarian law and Islamic law work together to better protect people affected by armed conflict? Join us for a discussion bringing together humanitarian practitioners, legal experts, Islamic scholars and policymakers to explore shared principles and ways to improve humanitarian outcomes. Register for free and participate! 👉🏽

In some areas of Lebanon, mines and unexploded ordnance are turning familiar places into dangerous ones. Through 20 interactive theatre performances with the Lebanon Mine Action Center, @ICRC_lb is helping children learn how to recognize danger and stay safe. Learn more 👉🏽

When is it ok to attack health-care workers? ❌ Never. When is it ok for fighters to target civilians? ❌ Never. When is it ok to torture someone? ❌ Never. The rules of war are simple. The rules of war preserve our humanity.

RT @ICRC_Africa: 📍Ethiopia | Renewed hostilities in the north have put thousands of civilians at risk. Together with @EthioRedCross, @ICRCEthiopia continues to support the affected communities in Tigray, Amhara, Lalibela and Mekelle, among others. Learn more 👉🏽

📍Nigeria | Maryam lost four of her eight children to armed conflict and never got to see their bodies. Ten years ago, her husband also went missing, leaving her to raise the children who remain while carrying the uncertainty of not knowing what happened to him.

🌊 Most people think naval warfare is just battleships and submarines. In reality, it’s also about protecting the systems the world depends on, including the internet, food supplies, oil shipments, and humanitarian aid. In this video, @CDroegeICRC, ICRC's director of International Law, Movement and Partnerships, explains more about how naval blockades, neutral waters, and freedom of navigation are all governed by strict legal rules designed to limit human suffering👇🏽

📍Yemen | Since August, an ICRC Mobile Surgical Team from @ICRC_ye has been working with healthcare staff at Marib General Hospital to strengthen surgical capacity and ensure weapon-wounded patients receive timely and life-saving trauma care. Eduardo Toro, ICRC surgeon at the hospital, shares more.

RT @ICRC_ye: Since August, an ICRC Mobile Surgical Team has been working with healthcare staff at #Marib General Hospital to strengthen surgical capacity and ensure weapon-wounded patients receive timely and life-saving trauma care. Eduardo, ICRC surgeon at the hospital, shares his insights.

Over 130 armed conflicts are happening in the world and millions of civilians are suffering the humanitarian consequences of them. Respecting the rules of war is not an option: is an obligation of all parties to armed conflicts.

Nelson Mandela once said that "a nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” Decades later, his words carry urgent relevance, especially in armed conflict, where places of detention represent a hidden humanitarian frontline. Ralph Wehbe, ICRC's head of the People Deprived of Liberty unit, explains why independent humanitarian access to places of detention matters, what the Mandela Rules and international humanitarian law require, and why humanity cannot stop at the prison gate👇🏽

“We can adapt to anything, but not to war.” Protracted conflicts, violations of international humanitarian law, and funding cuts, among other factors, are pushing communities to their limits. Our new report explores these challenges and why humanitarian action must help communities achieve self-reliance. Read it here👇🏽

Staying neutral allows us to do our job. It is not indifference: it is a deliberate choice. Our mission comes from the Geneva Conventions, universal laws that preserve a degree of humanity, even in war. Today, 163 years since our founding, neutrality remains as crucial as ever. Learn more 👉🏽

Every attack on healthcare personnel, facilities and vehicles, is an attack on the communities they serve. ❌ They should never have to fear for their own lives. ❌ They are not a target.

RT @ICRC_LawPolicy: “We can adapt to anything, but not to war.” Our new report explores the impact on conflict-affected communities and what states, humanitarians and development actors must do. Read more: #HumanitarianAction #IHL

In recent weeks, aerial attacks across Sudan have caused a worrying increase in civilian harm. Residential areas, markets and areas sheltering displaced populations have been particularly affected, with hundreds of people reportedly killed. We urge all sides to take into account the foreseeable humanitarian consequences of using armed drones, particularly in populated areas. Read more:

Today, we participated in the repatriation of the remains of fallen soldiers between Russia and Ukraine, as agreed by the parties. Each return helps families honour their loved ones and lay them to rest with dignity.