Abstract

This paper analyses the changing role of the international committee of the International committee Red Cross (ICRC) in modern international armed conflicts. As the protector and advocate of international humanitarian law (IHL), the ICRC holds a distinctive position of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. In a time characterized by hybrid warfare, non-state actors, urban combat and prolonged crises, the challenges confronting the ICRC have become more substantial. The study examines the ICRC's approach to navigating intricate geopolitical landscapes, enabling it to deliver humanitarian aid, facilitate prisoner exchanges, ensure compliance with the Geneva conventions, and advocate for the safety of both civilians and combatants who are not actively engaged in combat. It emphasizes the organization's diplomatic interactions with both government entities and non-governmental organizations, as well as its commitment to upholding humanitarian values in the face of violations and politicization. Drawing from recent conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, Yemen, and Gaza, the research highlights the ICRC's ability to adapt, its limitations, and areas for improvement. The paper also discusses criticisms related to restricted access, accountability issues, and the delicate balance between confidentiality and advocacy. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the crucial role of the ICRC while advocating for enhanced international collaboration, robust legal enforcement mechanisms, and increased support for humanitarian norms in the face of increasingly complex and brutal armed conflicts.

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