The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization working to protect and assist those affected by armed conflict. It operates under a specific legal mandate derived from the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which have been universally ratified, and their Additional Protocols. This mandate is reinforced by the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and customary international humanitarian law.

In IACs, states have specific obligations to allow the ICRC to visit prisoners of war and persons protected under GC IV, and to share information with the ICRC about certain categories of persons in their hands.

In all types of armed conflict, IACs and NIACs, the ICRC also has a broad right to offer humanitarian services. For instance, the ICRC may offer its services to visit persons deprived of their liberty in relation to the armed conflict, offer forensic expertise, facilitate family reunification, provide medical care and humanitarian assistance to individuals who do not or no longer participating in hostilities or act as a neutral intermediary between warring parties. The ICRC also has a duty to work for the faithful application of IHL.

Our adherence to the fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence enables us to negotiate access to victims on all sides of a conflict and to address violations of humanitarian law through confidential bilateral dialogue, an approach that has proven effective in achieving tangible improvements while maintaining the trust necessary for continued humanitarian operations. While we have the legal right to offer our services, our humanitarian activities require the consent of relevant parties, which we strive to secure through our principled neutrality.