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15-11-2002 FAQ What is ICRC's position on terrorism?
ICRC strongly condemns acts of violence which are indiscriminate and spread terror among the civilian population. It has voiced its condemnation of such acts on many occasions, including after the attacks in the USA on 11 September 2001. What about the so-called "war against terrorism"? This is a term used to describe a range of measures and operations aimed at preventing and combatting further terrorist attacks. These measures could include armed conflict. In this case, countries that engage in military operations against their enemies - such as in Afghanistan from October 2001 - are bound by international humanitarian law (IHL): they must spare anyone who does not take part in the hostilities or who no longer does so. This includes civilians as well as wounded and detained enemy combatants. ICRC believes that adherence to IHL in times of war will prevent the loss of innocent lives, curb unnecessary suffering and ensure that people are treated justly. More on this: International Review of the Red Cross (September 2002) - Special issue on Terrorism and London School of Economics debate (May 2002) on The Law of War in the Age of Terror The answers to FAQs on this site are intended as brief, informative summaries of what are often complex matters, and the terminology used has no legal significance. |
