International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

The International Humanitarian Law program at the American Red Cross aims to educate the American public about international humanitarian law. The American Red Cross has a mandate to strengthen the rule of law and alleviate the suffering of victims of armed conflict and other humanitarian crises.

What is IHL? International humanitarian law — also known as the law of armed conflict or law of war — is the body of law which seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict by codifying protections for individuals who are not, or are no longer, taking part in fighting, and restrictions on the means (particularly weapons) and methods of warfare (military tactics).

How we promote IHL. The American Red Cross in the Cascades Region helps educate the public regarding international humanitarian law and humanitarian values through classes, discussions and events (film screenings, subject expert talks, and panel sessions).

“Even War Has Rules” (1 hour) and “Born on the Battlefield” (3 hours) courses are offered by the chapter to internal and external audiences and discuss the international scope of the Red Cross and include material about the Geneva Conventions, the basic rules of international humanitarian law, and the role of the Red Cross in international humanitarian crises.

Contact. To learn more about IHL programs and to schedule a free class for your group, call (503) 528-5680.

Restoring Family Links (RFL)
The American Red Cross, in collaboration with the global Red Cross Movement, helps reconnect families that have been separated internationally by armed conflicts, disasters, migration, and other humanitarian crises. In situations such as these, normal means of communication break down, families are split up and people go missing.

How we can help. The American Red Cross Cascades Region can:

• locate family members separated internationally by armed conflict and other humanitarian situations;
• clarify or document the fate of relatives missing due to armed conflict (including Holocaust and WWII Tracing and Documentation services);
• forward family messages and other information (Red Cross messages) between separated members of a family when normal modes of communication are nonexistent or unreliable;
• assist family members who have lost communication due to a major international disaster.
   

There is no charge for any of these services!

Contact. To use any of the above services or for additional information about the program call (844) 231-6710. You can also initiate an inquiry through the International Reconnecting Families Inquiry Form.

How you can help

More than 90 percent of our total work force is composed of volunteers. Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. If you’d like to volunteer with any of the International Services programs above, join our team today.