The International Committee of the Red Cross as guardian of
international humanitarian law 31-12-1998 by Yves Sandoz The
ICRC acts as the guardian of international humanitarian law, a
complex role that is closely connected with its own foundation
and was later formally entrusted to it by the international
community. The article presents various aspects of this role and
examines its scope in the contemporary context. The
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is known first
and foremost for its field operations in aid of victims of armed
conflict and internal violence all over the world. Less well-
known is the scope of its role as “guardian” of international
humanitarian law, the law applicable in situations of armed
conflict. This complex function is closely connected with the
founding of the ICRC and was subsequently formally entrusted to
it by the international community. The present article seeks to
define the role of guardian more clearly and to give greater
insight into its significance. The ICR