Spreading international humanitarian law
International humanitarian law (IHL) contains the body of rules that seeks to limit the humanitarian consequences of armed conflict. This law protects the life, health and dignity of persons who do not or no longer participate in an armed conflict. This includes civilians, but also, for example, medical personnel and other groups. The law also restricts or prohibits the use of certain weapons and methods in armed conflict.
The international Red Cross movement occupies a key position in the development and dissemination of these rules. Under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, signed by 196 countries, International Committee of the Red Cross has the unique mandate as an independent and neutral organization to provide protection and assistance to victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. Additionally, the National Red Cross Society in each country, as an auxiliary to the government, assumes the role of disseminating and promoting information and knowledge about international humanitarian law. Belgian Red Cross-Flanders also assumes this core task.
We take this role actively by...
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Disseminate knowledge and information through training. For example, we organize an annual series of classes covering basic topics, we organize a moot court competition (Frits Kalshoven Competition), and so on. So be sure to keep an eye on our trainings and events if you are interested.
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Create awareness through public campaigns and media publications.
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Support policy makers in the development and implementation of international humanitarian law.
Ask us your question about the IHR
Our trainings and events
Frits Kalshoven Competition
The Frits Kalshoven Competition is entering its 19th edition in 2026 and is again organized by Belgian Red Cross-Flanders in cooperation with the Dutch Red Cross. This moot court competition on international humanitarian law is open to law students.
The purpose of this competition is to familiarize students with international humanitarian law by offering lectures and to fuel their oral and argumentative competencies through role-playing and an advocacy competition.
The competition will take place on February 25, 26, and 27, 2026, in The Hague, Netherlands. It is open to teams of three, and the working language is English.
View a compilation of previous editions
Lecture series on international humanitarian law
During the five-week course on international humanitarian law (IHL), we will cover the core topics of international humanitarian law. A new session is scheduled for April/May 2027. 
For more information: humanitair.recht@rodekruis.be
Our Publications
This brochure aims to clarify what IHL is, what role Belgian policymakers can play in the implementation and further development of IHL, and how the Belgian Red Cross can support policymakers in doing so.
This brochure is intended to provide clarity about IHL by providing answers to frequently asked questions about its contents.
International humanitarian law is defined in the Geneva Conventions, or Geneva Conventions. The first Geneva Convention was drafted in 1864 on the initiative of Red Cross founder Henri Dunant. An eyewitness to the battle of Solferino, he called for international rules on warfare with an eye toward greater humanity. The current set of four treaties dates from 1949 and was later supplemented by three additional protocols.
How can you help?
Attend training and help ensure further dissemination
Keep an eye on our trainings & events if interested.
Become an IHR intern/volunteer
- Do you have knowledge of international law and a basic understanding of international humanitarian law?
- Do you speak English and French fluently?
- Would you like to support our service, both logistically and in terms of content?
Then keep an eye on our job openings and who knows, maybe you'll be joining us for an internship soon.
Evaluations & management responses
Our operation is partly funded by project funding. We publish the mid-term and final evaluation reports here: