International Humanitarian Law – An Overview

Abstract

Ever since its inception over a century ago, the Red Cross has been providing protection and assistance to those in distress. In normal circumstances, in the organised society in which usually lives man, is protected by laws and finds sustenance close at hand. Paradoxically, there are also situations, such as armed conflicts or natural disasters, when society is thrown out of killer, laws areviolated, man’s natural environment is turned into chaos, and his safety, health and very survival are threatened: In times like these the Red Cross strives to help and protect the victims through International Humanitarian law.