ICRC Library

| Behind the stacks | Among the thousands of documents we’re digitizing is our collection of translations of the 1949 #GenevaConventions and 1977 & 2005 Additional Protocols. It represents more than 140 documents, in 40 different languages! 🌐

4/ Would you like to learn more about the history of the ICRC? Explore our research guide “ICRC history: a primer” on Cross-files! blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/ic…

3/ From those early discussions emerged an institution that kept the same objective from the start: ensure protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and strife.

Today, we take a step back in time to share with you the story of the @ICRC. It all began with a book: “A Memory of Solferino”. ⬇️

4/ Would you like to learn more about the history of the ICRC? Explore our research guide “ICRC history: a primer” on Cross-files! blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/ic…

3/ From those early discussions emerged an institution that kept the same objective from the start: ensure protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and strife.

| Behind the stacks | We shared a selection of items from our heritage collections we’re preparing to digitize with colleagues - an exciting moment as these materials take their first step toward wider access!

Big news! We’re kicking off the operational phase of our most ambitious digitization project yet. One step closer to online access to the ICRC archives and library collections for all. Read more ⬇️

✨ Happy new year! Looking back on a 2025 highlight, our colleague Clara from the ICRC archives just posted a new piece on the "Fiaccolata", the Battle of Solferino, and Henry Dunant's experience. Read at : blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/a-…

Happy Holidays! ✨ The library will be closed from December 22, 2025, to January 2, 2026. We wish you a pleasant end to the year, full of rest and good reads!

🌟The ICRC library is ready for the holidays : a somewhat precarious RC tree complete with the obligatory #IHL book ornaments! 🎄

The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols set out detailed rules governing the use of the protective emblems, specifying who may use them, under what conditions, on which types of material, and in what size. blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/dr…

#DidYouKnow ? Twenty years ago, the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 was adopted. This protocol led to the adoption of a third distinctive emblem, in addition to the #RedCross and #RedCrescent: the Red Crystal.

A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming colleagues from @CERN #library and #archives. It was a wonderful opportunity to present our collections, exchange on our working methods, discuss common challenges, and spend a meaningful moment together!

At the library, we have the record of this first trial in both French (online) and English. We've also published an article on our Cross-Files blog - go take a look! blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/pr…

⚖️Today marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the first #Nuremberg Trial. On the 20th of November 1945, the International Military Tribunal began prosecuting high-ranking Nazi leaders for conspiracy, crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.