Informally known as the 'rules of war', IHL aims to limit human suffering and protect victims of armed conflict. These rules provide protection for civilians, the sick, the wounded, shipwrecked members of the armed forces and prisoners of war.

As legal guardians of the Geneva Conventions and the Additional Protocols of 1977, Red Cross is required to educate the armed forces, the media, youth, Red Cross members and staff, and the general public about the laws of armed conflict. This commitment is part of our international mission to protect life and health in and ensure respect for the human being.

IHL Unit

You can become involved in the Australian Red Cross IHL program through the IHL Unit. The IHL Unit is a collective of volunteers of various backgrounds who work with the IHL Department in educating the general community about IHL.

Volunteer opportunities include writing articles for either the e-newsletter or IHL newsletter, compiling speaking notes for a public presentation, assisting groups with the organisation of a seminar or special event, and speaking to community groups about IHL.

We are always interested in fresh ideas about promoting IHL within the community.

Membership of the IHL Unit is $10 per year. You can join NOW by returning the subscription and IHL Unit membership form, that is below. We look forward to hearing from you!

The International Humanitarian Law Department of Australian Red Cross publishes a bi-annual newsletter to keep people up-to-date with IHL news and issues from around the world.

Costs for two issues a year is:

Individual $10
Group/institution $30 (two copies a time)

How to subscribe?

1. Download the subscription and IHL Unit membership form (as above).

2. Pay by cheque, credit card or money order.

3. Send to: IHL Department, Australian Red Cross, 159 Clarence St, Sydney 2000.

Get in touch

For further information about IHL email nswihl@redcross.org.au or phone 02 9229 4294.