To save lives in conflict

6. Calling for Compliance with International Humanitarian Law

International humanitarian law (IHL) is a set of international rules designed to protect lives and uphold human dignity during times of armed conflict. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement works to ensure that parties to a conflict comply with the IHL.

IHL is broadly divided into two categories. The first consists of rules that govern the actions of parties to a conflict, aiming to prevent unnecessary harm. These rules place restrictions on weapons and methods of warfare, such as limiting attacks to combatants and military targets only. The second consists of rules that protect those not involved in the military activities. This includes safeguards for medical and humanitarian aid workers, such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, as well as regulations on the use of the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblem. To ensure compliance during times of crisis, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement collaborates with national governments and military forces to provide education programs and training in times of peace, ensuring that these rules are widely known and respected.

In this regard, it is easy to assume that educating and promoting IHL is irrelevant for countries like Japan, which are not conflict zones. Once a conflict begins, however, it is already too late to call for compliance. This is why it is essential for everyone to understand its principles and spirit during times of peace.

For an easy-to-understand reference material on the principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality, as well as humanitarian law, see the A message from the Red Cross : sign of humanity by the Japanese Red Cross Institute for Humanitarian Studies