ICRC & IHL

“The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and armed violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law.”[1]

The ICRC prides itself on the three(3) principles that govern its operation; Neutrality, Impartiality, and Independence. With these, they oversee the strict observance of the International Humanitarian Law(IHL). The IHL is a set of rules that are aimed to limit the effects of armed conflict and protect people who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities, such as civilians, prisoners of war, and the wounded. It is also known as the law of war or the laws of armed conflict. IHL is governed by several treaties and customary rules and is enforced by national and international courts and tribunals.

The observance of (IHL) is important for several reasons:

Protection of civilians: IHL seeks to protect civilians and civilian objects from the effects of armed conflict, as well as to ensure that they receive the necessary assistance.

Limitation of the means and methods of warfare: IHL limits the types of weapons that can be used in armed conflict and prohibits the use of weapons that cause unnecessary suffering.

Protection of persons who are no longer participating in hostilities: IHL provides special protections for persons who are captured, detained, or otherwise no longer participating in hostilities, such as prisoners of war and the wounded.

Respect for human dignity: IHL is based on the principles of humanity and respect for human dignity. It seeks to ensure that persons affected by armed conflict are treated humanely and with respect.

Promotion of the rule of law: IHL helps to promote the rule of law and respect for the laws of armed conflict, which in turn helps to reduce the severity and duration of armed conflicts.

Humanitarian access: IHL ensures humanitarian access to people in need during an armed conflict.

Strengthening of international peace and security: Compliance with IHL helps to strengthen international peace and security by reducing the human suffering caused by armed conflict.

As future police officers, we have a duty to ensure the observance of international humanitarian law in all situations. This includes upholding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their status or background, and preventing acts of violence, abuse, and discrimination. We must be familiar with international humanitarian law and be trained to apply it in practice. This requires a commitment to fairness, impartiality, and respect for human dignity, and a willingness to hold ourselves and our colleagues accountable for any violations of these principles.

It is essential that we work closely with other law enforcement agencies, as well as with humanitarian organizations, to promote respect for international humanitarian law and ensure that it is applied in all situations. Together, we can help to protect the rights and safety of all individuals, and create a more just and peaceful society for all.

[1] Who we are | International Committee of the Red Cross. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.icrc.org/en/who-we-are