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Weapons

International humanitarian law contains basic principles and rules governing the choice of weapons and prohibits or restricts the employment of certain weapons. The ICRC plays a leading role in the promotion and development of law regulating the use of certain weapons.  Read full overview

Highlights

Selected Topics

  • Nuclear weapons

    The ICRC calls on all States not to use nuclear weapons, to take measures to limit the risk of proliferation and to pursue negotiations on a complete ban on nuclear weapons and their elimination.


  • Arms availability

    The ICRC supports the elaboration of a comprehensive, legally binding Arms Trade Treaty that establishes common international standards for the responsible transfer of all conventional weapons and their ammunition.


  • Cluster munitions

    In 2008, governments adopted the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which have killed and injured large numbers of civilians. This treaty prohibits the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions.


  • Anti-personnel landmines

    Despite progress made since the adoption of the 1997 Mine Ban treaty, many challenges remain, especially linked to removing the remaining mines and to providing adequate assistance for those injured.


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