The laws of war for community groups

Australian Red Cross promotes awareness of and respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) as part of its unique humanitarian mandate.

IHL, also known as the laws of war, is a set of international laws that set what can and cannot be done during an armed conflict. Their main purpose is to maintain some humanity in armed conflicts, saving lives and reducing suffering. To do that, IHL regulates how wars are fought, balancing humanity and military necessity.

Australian Red Cross is supported in its effort to promote awareness of and respect for IHL by the Community Speakers Network. These are teams of volunteers around Australia who help lead the efforts to promote IHL to the public.

The Community Speakers Network offer workshops to community groups on the laws of war, how and when they apply, and how the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement works to help people impacted by armed conflict.

Open to clubs, organisations and communities, these sessions give participants an opportunity to share, learn, and contribute to meaningful discussion about the laws of war and people impacted by armed conflict.