We take the issue of harmful information during armed conflict seriously and we are dedicated to finding effective ways to address the issue and its consequences. A conflict sensitive approach to addressing harmful information is one that does not limit fundamental rights, or people’s access to information, and does not cause additional harms.

Our work to address harmful information includes building and nurturing relationships with communities and community leaders, raising awareness on the impact of harmful information, clarifying the obligations of parties under IHL and the role and mandate of the ICRC, maintaining confidential dialogue with parties on this issue, and other workstreams.

We continue to seek dialogue with parties to armed conflict that spread harmful information and build awareness of the legal limits and the humanitarian consequences of these actions.

The ICRC continues to invest and to work with humanitarian organizations and academia to develop responses to harmful information impacting people, and to assist people in building self-protection and resilience.