International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Program
International humanitarian law (IHL) is also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict. IHL protects all victims of armed conflicts, including civilians, and combatants who are injured, have been captured or have laid down their arms. The best known of these rules are found in the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 which have been ratified by all States and are universally applicable.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have a unique role under the Geneva Conventions. They have a mandate to disseminate and assist their governments in disseminating IHL and they take initiatives in this respect. They also cooperate with their governments to ensure respect for IHL and to protect the red cross/crescent/crystal emblems.
The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is a member of the National IHL Committee, Bangladesh. BDRCS has also undertaken aims to promote IHL under its Strategic Plan 2021-2025. An IHL Steering Committee (IHLSC) has been established to facilitate the IHL program within BDRCS.
