Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the ICRC and its mandate

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This section provides brief answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the ICRC’s work and related issues.

The following questions are among those most frequently asked of the ICRC by members of the public including issues relating to terrorism, international humanitarian law, visits to persons deprived of their freedom, the use of certain munitions, neutrality and relations with national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Magen David Adom. With links to more detailed texts.

For questions on international humanitarian law, see also "IHL in brief".

Operations and issues

What is the definition of torture and ill treatment?
International humanitarian law prohibits torture and other forms of ill treatment at all times and demands that detainees be treated according to the rules and principles of IHL and other international standards.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-2-2005
FAQ

What is the ICRC's position on torture and ill treatment?
The ICRC rejects the use of torture and other forms of ill treatment under any circumstances. It believes the respect for human life and dignity precludes any justification for ill treatment.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-2-2005
FAQ

What is the ICRC's position on the reported abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US and UK forces?
The ICRC is profoundly concerned over any practice that humiliates and degrades detainees; its work in places of detention in Iraq and around the world aims precisely at preventing abuses that violate international law.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

6-5-2004
FAQ

Iraq: what does POW status mean for Saddam Hussein?
The decision by the United States authorities to consider the former Iraqi president as a prisoner of war (POW) means that he is entitled to all the legal protections provided for under the 3rd Geneva Convention of 1949. This includes the right to visits by the ICRC.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

21-2-2004
FAQ

Why does the ICRC visit POWs and interned civilians?
Prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian internees (CI) are protected by the Geneva Conventions, which also give the ICRC the right to visit them. The ICRC has been mandated by the international community, under the Geneva Conventions, to ensure that international humanitarian law is applied fully. Among the ICRC's tasks are visits to prisoners, both military and civilian.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

19-12-2003
FAQ

What are some of the specific legal aspects of occupation?
When a territory is placed under the authority of a hostile army, the rules of international humanitarian law dealing with occupation apply. Occupation confers certain rights and obligations on the occupying power.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-4-2003
FAQ

Why does the ICRC visit prisoners? Which prisoners does it visit?
People who are taken prisoner or detained in a conflict are regarded by their captors as the enemy, and therefore need the intervention of a neutral, independent body to ensure that they are treated humanely and kept in decent conditions, and that they have the possibility of exchanging news with their families.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

3-4-2003
FAQ

What is ICRC's position on terrorism?
ICRC strongly condemns acts of violence which are indiscriminate and spread terror among the civilian population. It has voiced its condemnation of such acts on many occasions, including after the attacks in the USA on 11 September 2001.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-11-2002
FAQ

Is international humanitarian law still relevant in today’s conflicts?
Yes. Humanitarian law has ample provision for dealing with modern warfare; the challenge is to have those provisions respected and put into practice by all. The question is not “does the law work?” but “do we want it to work?”.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-11-2002
FAQ

ICRC doesn’t publish its reports on prison visits - how can working confidentially be effective in preventing torture?
ICRC believes that the best way that it can prevent or halt torture and ensure decent conditions of detention is by getting repeated and unrestricted access to prisoners, talking to them about their problems, and urging the detaining authorities to make any improvements that may be necessary. The price of this is a policy of confidentiality, taking up the problems only with the people directly concerned.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-11-2002
FAQ

When ICRC visits suspected terrorists, doesn’t this give them some special status?
No. ICRC is mandated by the international community to check the treatment and conditions of anyone detained in relation with armed violence, and to seek improvements where necessary. Such visits do not condone the actions or beliefs of those detained or confer any status on them.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-11-2002
FAQ

ICRC promotes respect for the Geneva Conventions. Why doesn’t it systematically condemn violations?
ICRC's role is to work in conflict zones to help people affected by war. It believes that publicly condemning violations of international humanitarian law should be its last resort.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-11-2002
FAQ

Why does ICRC place so much emphasis on "neutrality" - isn't this just a way of not having to take a moral stand?
Neutrality is not an end in itself, but rather a means towards an end, which is: to be able to act on behalf of people protected by humanitarian law and to make a positive difference to those who are affected by armed violence. Neutrality means making no judgement about the merits of one person's need as against another's; it does not mean condoning violations of IHL.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-11-2002
FAQ

What is ICRC’s position on cluster bombs and other munitions which are a menace to civilians after a war?
The use of these munitions, like any other, is subject to the general rules of international humanitarian law (IHL) governing the means and methods of warfare*, particularly with a view to sparing the civilian population.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-11-2002
FAQ

What is ICRC’s relationship with national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies?
ICRC, national societies from 178 countries and their International Federation form the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. All within the Movement share common fundamental principles but are not linked hierarchically. In conflict situations ICRC takes the lead role and directs the work of its partners.
(Info resources\Frequently asked questions)

15-11-2002
FAQ

8-03-2005

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