Armed conflicts are not beyond the reach of the law. Warring parties are not free to pursue victory at any cost, especially when it endangers civilians.
Even wars have limits, always.
In conflict, access can mean the difference between life and death.
When parties to the conflict allow humanitarian workers to operate safely, help reaches those who need it most, without discrimination.
The rules of war call on all parties to make this possible.
From new prostheses to mobility training, people affected by conflict in South Sudan are rebuilding their lives one step at a time.
Our photo gallery captures powerful moments from ICRC-supported Physical Rehabilitation Centres.
Explore it here 👉🏽 ms.spr.ly/6018tjwaw
As conflicts continue to expand and intensify, so do incidents of sexual violence during wartime.
During these #16Days, we focus on prevention — because we know sexual violence in conflict is predictable, so we all must play a role in stopping it from happening. ⬇️
📍Sudan |
For the first time in months, Somia heard her son’s voice.
They got separated fleeing the attacks on Zamzam camp. She reached Tawila while he ended up in Tine, Chad.
Their conversation since separation was a lifeline, one that countless families still hope for.👇🏽
📍 South Sudan |
🔴 Over 445,000 people displaced in 2025.
🔴 Aid funding declining.
🔴 Essential services on the brink.
The cycle of violence must end so that communities can recover from years of crisis.
👉 Read more in our latest update: bit.ly/3WXbG9T
📍#Sudan |
Humanity must prevail.
We call on all parties to the conflict to respect and protect civilians, medical personnel, and humanitarian workers in Al Fasher and beyond.
Read our full statement 👉🏽 ms.spr.ly/6015tDlpc
“For two days, I was sleeping in the forest without food, water or shelter,” Lucky Kade shares.
She is among thousands displaced due to the recent tensions along the border between South Sudan and Uganda.
Read more here 👉🏽 ms.spr.ly/6019s72wb
The 7 fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement were adopted 60 years ago.
They are at the heart of our work, every day and everywhere, as we help people affected by conflict, violence, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
"We need to bring a level of humanity to a situation which is dehumanizing. And international humanitarian law is a framework that can help us take a step towards this."
ICRC head of delegation in Sudan, Daniel O’Malley, shares.
Read the full statement ➡️ bit.ly/4o9sp5l
Nearly half of the 122 million forcibly displaced people worldwide live in areas facing both conflict and severe climate hazards.
We are applying a conflict-sensitive & climate-aware approach to help communities become more resilient.
Read more 👉 ms.spr.ly/6012svYfQ
What is a Red Cross Message?
✉️It’s a piece of paper delivered by our staff and volunteers.
✉️It’s a last resort for people to contact their families.
✉️It’s a lifeline for people in prison or separated by conflict.
- It’s hope. 🕊️
Today is International Day to Protect Education from Attack.
🚸 Children and teachers are civilians.
🏫 Schools are civilian buildings.
Under international humanitarian law, their civilian character means they must never be targeted during armed conflict. #IHL
🚨 News release ➡️ ms.spr.ly/6012swVYw
The caseload of missing persons is overwhelmingly linked to armed conflict and migration across the region.
Ahead of International #DayofTheDisappeared, we highlight the impact of this issue.
#WorldHumanitarianDay is a reminder: every attack on healthcare and aid workers is an attack on the communities they serve.
🛑 They should never have to fear for their own lives.
🛑 They are not a target.
#ProtectHumanity
The #GenevaConventions turn 76 today.
Adopted in 1949 and universally ratified, the four conventions are the backbone of international humanitarian law (IHL).
They protect those not or no longer participating in armed conflicts, save lives, and reduce suffering.
The rules of war are clear. Hospitals are specially protected facilities under international humanitarian law.
This protection extends to the wounded and sick as well as to medical staff and means of transport. #IHL
The number of surgical admissions for weapon wounds recorded at ICRC-supported hospitals in 2024 increased by almost 50% compared to the previous year, illustrating the tremendous human cost of today’s conflicts.
Read more from our report 👉🏽 ms.spr.ly/6016s6VP6
Is everything allowed in wars?
The answer is clear: no.
Civilians must be protected. Arms bearers must at all times make the distinction between the civilian population and combatants. #IHL
In the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions of #Ethiopia, conflict has made it hard for rural families to farm or feed themselves.
Together with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, we recently distributed seeds and fertilizers to strengthen food security.
New update ➡️ ms.spr.ly/6011SI3PD
📍Sudan|
We continue to support healthcare facilities such as Al Saudi Hospital in Al-Fasher and Al-Geneina Teaching Hospital in Darfur, where the kitchen rehabilitation is in progress.
We work to ensure that patients and the wounded receive safe and dignified care.
Mothers in Somalia travel for days to save their children from severe malnutrition.
At Kismayo Hospital, 863 children were admitted since January—a 70% spike. Conflict and climate disasters keep pushing families to the brink.
More from our Newsroom 👉🏽 ms.spr.ly/6019SSEKF
Mental health support and care is life-saving, yet out of reach for many in conflict zones. Worldwide, there remains a gap between what people need and their access to care.
We aim to reduce this gap by strengthening local support systems and helping communities heal.
Woman in a harsh climate.
Conflict can have severe environmental consequences: water contamination, deforestation, and loss of fertile land. The damage lingers long after conflict, worsening climate shocks.
We work to raise awareness, limit this damage, and support the affected. #WorldEnvironmentDay
Mamadou Sow, our Head of Delegation in Kuwait, reflects on the new version of our Tool on African traditions and the Preservation of Humanity in Warfare, and how it’s an important bridge between our past and present.
Learn more on this tool 👉🏾 http://ms.spr.ly/63321SczFt
IHL
Since 1949, the Geneva Conventions have safeguarded human dignity in the darkest times. 📜
🌍 These are one of the few conventions signed by all countries worldwide.
States and non-state armed groups must ensure these rules continue to save lives. #IHL
Head of ICRC Pretoria Regional Delegation explains how the updated Tool draws on African traditions to show how community practices align with IHL, reinforcing its relevance across the continent. 👇
Read more ➡️ http://ms.spr.ly/63328SenXA
Illustration with text
We can educate ourselves and others about the harmful impact of stigma and consciously choose to support survivors by standing up against any form of discrimination.
Learn how 👉 http://ms.spr.ly/63325Se7dN
#EndStigma
Civilians must be protected and respected. Without excuse.
All parties involved in armed conflicts, whether it is a non-state armed group or a state, must protect civilians and civilian objects without excuses.
Civilians shouldn't bear the cost of the hostilities.
The updated Tool on African Traditions & the Preservation of Humanity in Warfare is live!
It features 6 new traditional practices across Africa, exploring how African traditions align with International Humanitarian Law. #AfricanValuesInWar
Read more 👉 ms.spr.ly/6018SwvOm
