ICRC activities on behalf of people affected by war The ICRC is
committed to responding rapidly and efficiently to the
humanitarian needs of people affected by armed conflict or by a
natural disaster occurring in a conflict area. Hostilities can
explode without warning; natural disasters can strike
unexpectedly and their effects may be multiplied in countries
already riven by war. In the face of such unpredictable
emergencies, the ICRC attaches great importance to its ability
to deploy rapidly in the field. ICRC detention visits aim to
ensure that detainees, whatever the reason for their arrest and
detention, are treated with dignity and humanity, in accordance
with international norms and standards. ICRC delegates work with
authorities to prevent abuse and to improve both the treatment
of detainees and their conditions of detention. According to the
Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of
1977, civilians and all persons not taking part in combat may
under no circumstances be the object o