| It also restricts the means and methods of warfare.
Also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict, the best known of these rules are the four Geneva Conventions of 1949.
Symbols of protection
Central to the idea of protection are the emblems, the red cross, the red crescent and the red crystal. They are symbols of the protection to be granted to medical and religious personnel, medical units and means of transport during armed conflict.
The emblems can also be used to show a link to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, particularly in peacetime. Because the emblems need to be instantly recognisable as a symbol of protection during armed conflict, there are strict rules governing their use.
Education
If the rules are going to be obeyed during armed conflict, they must be understood before armed conflict breaks out. That is why IHL needs to be taught in peacetime to both the armed forces at all levels and the general public, particularly through universities, schools and other educational establishments.
Enforcement
Breaches of these rules will often amount to a criminal offence. These offences may amount to “war crimes” and can lead to prosecution anywhere in the world before national or international courts.
Read about the Geneva Conventions
Find out about the emblems
Learn about the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
Find out how war criminals are prosecuted on the ICRC’s website
Teachers’ resource: Ten minute briefing on the law of war
Read about IHL on the ICRC’s website | 
