The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has outlined five critical rules of war designed to safeguard civilians in conflict zones across the world. In a video shared on X by the ICRC, it emphasized that families, schools, hospitals, and aid operations must remain untouched during conflicts.
ICRC Reinforces Five Rules of War For Civilian Protection
The video released by the ICRC highlights that families and children deserve safety even amid fighting. The ICRC stressed that these rules are non-negotiable and must apply universally.
In armed conflict, civilians must be respected at all times, without exception.
Here are five rules to protect them 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/HgTPpCZ2nV
— ICRC (@ICRC) January 15, 2026
Under the first rule, the ICRC established that civilians are not combatants or participants in warfare and they should never be targeted during armed conflicts. The second rule described hospitals and schools as safe zones that should not be attacked under any circumstances during warfare.
Safe passage for civilians is guaranteed under the third rule. This stresses that civilians must be allowed to leave conflict-affected areas without facing harm or obstruction. While the fourth rule addresses detainee treatment. Under this rule, the ICRC explains that people held in detention must be shielded from violence and intimidation.
Humanitarian aid delivery is mandated by the fifth rule. It guarantees that essential supplies like food, water, and medical assistance must reach civilians in conflict zones.
“Under the rules of war, there is no question civilians must be respected and protected always,” the ICRC stated.
NRC Pushes Measures To Protect Ukrainian Civilians
The ICRC’s guidance comes as humanitarian organisations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), continue to struggle to protect civilians in conflict zones. The NRC recently joined other charity leaders for the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan Launch (HNRP).
Research conducted by Charity Journal shows that civilian casualties in Ukraine increased in 2025 compared to previous years. According to a post by the NRC on X, approximately 3.7 million internally displaced people still require ongoing support.
The council also noted that many civilians continue to lack access to food and medicine, while their livelihoods remain disrupted.
Violations of War Rules Continue Across Multiple Conflict Zones
The ICRC’s guidance is critical as attacks on hospitals and schools persist despite their protected status. Also, civilians are often blocked from safe passage, which leaves many of them trapped in conflict zones.
Additionally, humanitarian aid convoys still face obstructions that prevent supplies from reaching those in need. Safe passage corridors are also frequently denied to civilians attempting to flee violence, and humanitarian aid convoys continue to face obstruction, preventing essential supplies from reaching those in need.
