ICRC:

The ICRC acts as the guardian of international humanitarian law, a complex role
that is closely connected with its own foundation and was later formally entrusted
to it by the international community. The article presents various aspects of this
role and examines its scope in the contemporary context.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is known first and foremost
for its field operations in aid of victims of armed conflict and internal violence all
over the world.

Less well-known is the scope of its role as guardian of international humanitarian

law, the law applicable in situations of armed conflict. This complex function is
closely connected with the founding of the ICRC and was subsequently formally
entrusted to it by the international community.

This special role of the ICRC is now formally recognized in the Statutes of the
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement , which have been
adopted both by the components of the Movement and by the States party to
the Geneva Conventions, that is, practically all the worlds States.

Article 5 of the Statutes states that the role of the ICRC is to undertake the tasks
incumbent upon it under the Geneva Conventions, to work for the faithful
application of international humanitarian law applicable in armed conflicts and
to take cognizance of any complaints based on alleged breaches of that law
(Article 5.2c), and also to work for the understanding and dissemination of
knowledge of international humanitarian law applicable in armed conflicts and
to prepare any development thereof (Article 5.2g).

FUNCTIONS OF ICRC:

the monitoring function i.e., constant reappraisal of humanitarian rules to

ensure that they are geared to the reality of conflict situations, and preparing for
their adaptation and development when necessary;

the catalyst function i.e., stimulating, especially within groups of

governmental and other experts, discussion of problems encountered and
possible solutions, whether such solutions involve changes to the law or
otherwise;

the promotion function i.e., advocacy in favour of the law, helping to

disseminate and teach it, and urging States to adopt national measures
necessary for its implementation;
 the guardian angel function i.e., defending international humanitarian law
against legal developments that disregard its existence or might tend to
weaken it;

the direct action function i.e., making a direct and practical contribution to
application of the law in situations of armed conflict;

the watchdog function i.e., raising the alarm, first among the States and
other parties directly concerned in an armed conflict, and thereafter among
the international community as a whole, whenever serious violations of the law
occur.

LIST OF PROTECTED PERSON:

sick and the wounded on the battlefield

medical personnel/service providers helping the sick and the wounded
medical equipment, vehicles, buildings as long as not used for military
purposes
prisoners of war
civilians
means of livelihood of civilians (farm, housing, transport, health facilities)
women against sexual abuses
children special needs
refugees
internally displaced people
people gone missing as result of armed conflict
humanitarian workers

ROLE OF ICRC WHEN THEY GO TO WAR:

Protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other
situations of violence and provide them with assistance.
Prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and
universal humanitarian principles.