International Committee of the Red Cross Press Releases

• Published on August 15, 2025 - 02:02 GMT

  

  Philippines: States in Asia Pacific region commit to greater support for rules of war during regional conference

  This was agreed upon by their representatives during an IHL regional conference in Manila, themed “Galvanising Commitment to International Humanitarian Law: Challenges and Opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region.” The annual event, held from 11 to 14 …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 14, 2025 - 04:01 GMT

  

  Afghanistan: protection of vulnerable communities through cash-for-work projects

  Lasting impact on communities The cash-for-work initiative has sparked transformation across rural Afghanistan. These construction projects have improved access to water for farming communities and helped them better withstand both drought and flooding. In …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 12, 2025 - 13:40 GMT

  

  Georgia / South Ossetia: Home is where hope dwells

  Many of elderly, disabled or people with a low income in conflict affected communities face difficult living conditions daily. Since 2022, the ICRC has been helping vulnerable people in villages in South Ossetia to keep warm. To complement the regular …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 12, 2025 - 07:13 GMT

  

  ICRC president: The next 76 years of the Geneva Conventions will be shaped by the choices leaders make today

  Geneva (ICRC) – Seventy-six years ago today, the world made a solemn promise through the Geneva Conventions that even in war, there are limits. Today, that promise is under serious threat.  The rules remain, but the commitment to uphold them is weakening, …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 11, 2025 - 07:42 GMT

  

  Ethiopia: January to June 2025 Facts & Figures

  In Ethiopia, our work is focused and pressing. We operate in Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray, supporting conflict-affected health services, we provide clean water, help families meet basic needs, improve conditions in places of detention, and reconnect loved …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 10, 2025 - 01:37 GMT

  

  Disappearance: the pain of not knowing - Colombia

  Meanwhile, more people are disappearing. In 2024, we documented 252 new disappearances related to armed conflicts and violence, an increase of 13 per cent compared with the previous year. These 252 cases were spread over 19 departments, but just seven …

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• Published on August 10, 2025 - 01:37 GMT

  

  Health care: another casualty of the armed conflict - Colombia

  They also included threats; communities having their access to health services restricted or cut off entirely; health workers being forced to provide care in inadequate conditions; the theft of medicines and equipment; and actions to hinder care for …

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• Published on August 10, 2025 - 01:37 GMT

  

  Colombia - Victims/survivors of sexual violence: Invisibility and a lack of protection

  We are also worried about the incidence of sexual violence in the areas most affected by armed conflicts and violence. This type of violence often goes unseen. Many victims/survivors choose not to report sexual violence, out of fear of retaliation, shame …

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• Published on August 10, 2025 - 01:37 GMT

  

  Classification of the armed conflicts in Colombia

  Why does the ICRC classify armed conflicts?   The ICRC classifies armed conflicts solely to fulfil its humanitarian mission. This mission includes carrying out its functions under the Geneva Conventions, their Additional Protocols and the Statutes of the …

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• Published on August 10, 2025 - 01:37 GMT

  

  Colombia: the impact of armed conflicts on children

  Several factors made children more vulnerable to involvement in hostilities: a lack of life opportunities; limited access to education; weakened protective environments; and the presence of armed groups near their communities. These factors exposed them to …

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• Published on August 10, 2025 - 01:37 GMT

  

  Colombia - Calls to action

  To state and non-state armed actors As the fighting intensifies, armed actors must protect civilians and those who no longer take part in the hostilities. International humanitarian law must be respected by the parties to the conflict, without exception. …

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• Published on August 10, 2025 - 01:37 GMT

  

  Colombia: decent detention conditions are still a long way off

  The state has begun applying positive measures such as Act 2292 of 2023, which benefited 90 women its first year of implementation. Nonetheless, overcrowding remains a concern. In prisons run by the INPEC, it reached an average of 25.6 per cent. In …

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• Published on August 9, 2025 - 05:49 GMT

  

  Thailand and Cambodia: ICRC welcomes ceasefire and stands ready to conduct further detainee visits

  The announcement follows recent hostilities along the countries’ joint border that resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement of persons and damage to key infrastructure. The ceasefire offers some respite to those affected by the hostilities, which saw …

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• Published on August 7, 2025 - 22:06 GMT

  

  Philippines: Committed to serve humanity

  However, the humanitarian impacts of conflicts are felt even after the fighting has ended. Many families are still looking for their missing loved ones, displaced people remain in temporary facilities with limited basic services, while others struggle with …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 6, 2025 - 17:10 GMT

  

  The weaponization of outer space is not inevitable

  Thank you, Mr. Chair. As it’s the first time I’m taking the floor, let me congratulate you on your election as Chair of the Open-ended Working Group. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) looks forward to supporting you, Mr. Chair, and all …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 5, 2025 - 15:22 GMT

  

  Israel and the occupied territories: ICRC calls for an agreement between the parties to enable humanitarian action in Gaza

  ICRC teams are also prepared to scale-up the delivery of life-saving aid safely to civilians in desperate need across the Gaza Strip. A rapid and unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance must be allowed and facilitated. With acute food shortages …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 4, 2025 - 12:45 GMT

  

  Displaced in your homeland: Echoes from Lake Chad’s unending conflict

  Each grain they collect tells a story of desperation and the cruel intersection of climate and conflict. “When there is no food, this is all we can do,” says one of the women, her fingers coated in earth. Their actions stem not from laziness but a will to …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 4, 2025 - 12:29 GMT

  Israel and the Occupied Territories: ICRC appalled by harrowing videos of Israeli hostages in Gaza

  These videos are stark evidence of the life-threatening conditions in which the hostages are being held. We know families watching these videos are horrified and heartbroken by the conditions they see their loved ones held in.  Hostage-taking is strictly …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 4, 2025 - 12:26 GMT

  Israel and the Occupied Territories: ICRC mourns killing of Palestine Red Crescent Society staff member in Gaza

  Our heartfelt condolences go out to Omar’s family, colleagues, and friends.  Omar was killed and other staff were injured during an overnight attack on the PRCS building in Khan Younis.  Omar and the other injured colleagues were on duty in a clearly …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights
• Published on August 4, 2025 - 05:41 GMT

  

  Thailand: Asia-Pacific Symposium discusses IHL and new technologies of warfare

  Held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 24 to 26 June 2025, the three-day event was jointly hosted by the Judge Advocate General’s Department, Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence of Thailand and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). …

  Distribution channels: Human Rights