Matt Pollard
@mpollard.bsky.social
Legal Adviser, International Committee of the Red Cross (@ICRC.org). Updating Geneva Convention commentaries & thematic legal adviser on food security, private military & security companies, business & IHL, detention, and torture & ill-treatment.
Reposted by Matt Pollard
The ICRC has launched an ambitious digitization programme that will facilitate access to funds collections and enable a truly global reach for our unique archival materials
blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/...
blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/...
From paper files to digital access: the digital transformation of the ICRC Archives - Cross-Files | ICRC Archives, audiovisual and library
On 17 January 1996, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) opened its general archives to the public, marking a turning point in the possibility of analysing the history of the ICRC, huma...
blogs.icrc.org
January 21, 2026 at 8:40 PM
The ICRC has launched an ambitious digitization programme that will facilitate access to funds collections and enable a truly global reach for our unique archival materials
blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/...
blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/...
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Attention researchers and practitioners!
The International Review of the Red Cross calls for papers on 'Addressing the Human Cost of Weapons: Past, Present and Future'. Submit by 20 March 2026, and contribute to this vital discussion.
Read more: ms.spr.ly/63327Q6p55
The International Review of the Red Cross calls for papers on 'Addressing the Human Cost of Weapons: Past, Present and Future'. Submit by 20 March 2026, and contribute to this vital discussion.
Read more: ms.spr.ly/63327Q6p55
January 19, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Attention researchers and practitioners!
The International Review of the Red Cross calls for papers on 'Addressing the Human Cost of Weapons: Past, Present and Future'. Submit by 20 March 2026, and contribute to this vital discussion.
Read more: ms.spr.ly/63327Q6p55
The International Review of the Red Cross calls for papers on 'Addressing the Human Cost of Weapons: Past, Present and Future'. Submit by 20 March 2026, and contribute to this vital discussion.
Read more: ms.spr.ly/63327Q6p55
"Civilian hackers in war": New article from @icrc.org colleague @trodenhauser.bsky.social, on #IHL & civilian hackers.
In the International Review of the Red Cross (open access, early access).
@icrclawpolicy.bsky.social #ICRC
In the International Review of the Red Cross (open access, early access).
@icrclawpolicy.bsky.social #ICRC
Civilian hackers in war: The limits that international humanitarian law imposes on volunteer IT armies, hacktivists, and other civilian hackers | International Review of the Red Cross | Cambridge Core
Civilian hackers in war: The limits that international humanitarian law imposes on volunteer IT armies, hacktivists, and other civilian hackers
www.cambridge.org
January 12, 2026 at 12:54 PM
"Civilian hackers in war": New article from @icrc.org colleague @trodenhauser.bsky.social, on #IHL & civilian hackers.
In the International Review of the Red Cross (open access, early access).
@icrclawpolicy.bsky.social #ICRC
In the International Review of the Red Cross (open access, early access).
@icrclawpolicy.bsky.social #ICRC
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Armed conflict forces millions to flee, including across borders. But migrants can also get caught in conflict and violence along their journeys.
Respecting the rules of war is crucial to protecting civilians, including migrants, during armed conflicts.
#MigrantsDay
Respecting the rules of war is crucial to protecting civilians, including migrants, during armed conflicts.
#MigrantsDay
December 18, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Armed conflict forces millions to flee, including across borders. But migrants can also get caught in conflict and violence along their journeys.
Respecting the rules of war is crucial to protecting civilians, including migrants, during armed conflicts.
#MigrantsDay
Respecting the rules of war is crucial to protecting civilians, including migrants, during armed conflicts.
#MigrantsDay
Video highlights from the panel discussion launching the Updated @icrc.org Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons in time of war. #IHL
Launch of the Updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention (event highlights)
On the 17th of October, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) published the updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection…
vimeo.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Reposted by Matt Pollard
📄 20 years on, reassessing the @icrc.org’s 2005 study on customary IHL offers a timely lens on how the law applies today
Its findings continue to clarify gaps left by treaties and strengthen the practical application of IHL
Read more → bit.ly/49aXM9R
#IHL #CustomaryLaw
Its findings continue to clarify gaps left by treaties and strengthen the practical application of IHL
Read more → bit.ly/49aXM9R
#IHL #CustomaryLaw
Twenty years on: the enduring impact of the ICRC customary IHL study and database
How the ICRC's 2005 study on customary IHL clarified gaps left by the treaties, and helped to strengthen the practical application of IHL.
bit.ly
December 11, 2025 at 12:11 PM
📄 20 years on, reassessing the @icrc.org’s 2005 study on customary IHL offers a timely lens on how the law applies today
Its findings continue to clarify gaps left by treaties and strengthen the practical application of IHL
Read more → bit.ly/49aXM9R
#IHL #CustomaryLaw
Its findings continue to clarify gaps left by treaties and strengthen the practical application of IHL
Read more → bit.ly/49aXM9R
#IHL #CustomaryLaw
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Hi, I’m Terry Hackett. I lead the ICRC’s work with people deprived of their liberty.
Over the next 3 days, I’ll be sharing what our detention work looks like on the ground - how our teams support detainees, what we do, and why it matters.
📸 Me on the far left, in Venezuela.
Over the next 3 days, I’ll be sharing what our detention work looks like on the ground - how our teams support detainees, what we do, and why it matters.
📸 Me on the far left, in Venezuela.
December 9, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Hi, I’m Terry Hackett. I lead the ICRC’s work with people deprived of their liberty.
Over the next 3 days, I’ll be sharing what our detention work looks like on the ground - how our teams support detainees, what we do, and why it matters.
📸 Me on the far left, in Venezuela.
Over the next 3 days, I’ll be sharing what our detention work looks like on the ground - how our teams support detainees, what we do, and why it matters.
📸 Me on the far left, in Venezuela.
Reposted by Matt Pollard
I wish a notice like this wasn't necessary.
www.icrc.org/en/article/i...
www.icrc.org/en/article/i...
Important notice: AI-generated archival references
www.icrc.org
December 8, 2025 at 1:27 AM
I wish a notice like this wasn't necessary.
www.icrc.org/en/article/i...
www.icrc.org/en/article/i...
Reposted by Matt Pollard
🌍 200M+ people today live in contested territories where armed actors hold shifting control.
Drawing on recent field research, the @icrc.org shares 5 insights to strengthen humanitarian response in these fragile environments.
Read more → bit.ly/4oZupxE
#IHL #HumanitarianAction #Protection
Drawing on recent field research, the @icrc.org shares 5 insights to strengthen humanitarian response in these fragile environments.
Read more → bit.ly/4oZupxE
#IHL #HumanitarianAction #Protection
Navigating violence: five insights to strengthen humanitarian action in contested territories
The ICRC's Arjun Claire and Matthew Bamber-Zryd present five key insights to help strengthen humanitarian responses in contested territories.
bit.ly
November 25, 2025 at 10:54 AM
🌍 200M+ people today live in contested territories where armed actors hold shifting control.
Drawing on recent field research, the @icrc.org shares 5 insights to strengthen humanitarian response in these fragile environments.
Read more → bit.ly/4oZupxE
#IHL #HumanitarianAction #Protection
Drawing on recent field research, the @icrc.org shares 5 insights to strengthen humanitarian response in these fragile environments.
Read more → bit.ly/4oZupxE
#IHL #HumanitarianAction #Protection
Reposted by Matt Pollard
“What kind of warfare are we prepared to accept?”
@ICRC
President warns that explosive weapons with wide-area effects should be avoided in populated areas. Civilian harm is predictable — and preventable.
🔗 icrc.org/en/statement...
#EWIPA #IHL #ProtectionOfCivilians #UrbanWarfare
@ICRC
President warns that explosive weapons with wide-area effects should be avoided in populated areas. Civilian harm is predictable — and preventable.
🔗 icrc.org/en/statement...
#EWIPA #IHL #ProtectionOfCivilians #UrbanWarfare
ICRC president: Use of explosive weapons in populated areas requires a collective response
icrc.org
November 21, 2025 at 8:27 AM
“What kind of warfare are we prepared to accept?”
@ICRC
President warns that explosive weapons with wide-area effects should be avoided in populated areas. Civilian harm is predictable — and preventable.
🔗 icrc.org/en/statement...
#EWIPA #IHL #ProtectionOfCivilians #UrbanWarfare
@ICRC
President warns that explosive weapons with wide-area effects should be avoided in populated areas. Civilian harm is predictable — and preventable.
🔗 icrc.org/en/statement...
#EWIPA #IHL #ProtectionOfCivilians #UrbanWarfare
Reposted by Matt Pollard
🏥 Even when #hospitals aren’t attacked, supply restrictions can quietly shut them down.
Today’s post looks at what #IHL requires to keep medical facilities functioning, from allowing medical consignments to enabling essential services.
Read more: bit.ly/4o97XkB
Today’s post looks at what #IHL requires to keep medical facilities functioning, from allowing medical consignments to enabling essential services.
Read more: bit.ly/4o97XkB
Reaffirming the obligation to protect medical facilities and support their functioning
Does IHL create an obligation to ensure that medical facilities receive adequate supplies? If so, what practical measures are required?
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 11:14 AM
🏥 Even when #hospitals aren’t attacked, supply restrictions can quietly shut them down.
Today’s post looks at what #IHL requires to keep medical facilities functioning, from allowing medical consignments to enabling essential services.
Read more: bit.ly/4o97XkB
Today’s post looks at what #IHL requires to keep medical facilities functioning, from allowing medical consignments to enabling essential services.
Read more: bit.ly/4o97XkB
Reposted by Matt Pollard
📅 Just one week to go | The “Launch Event: Updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention” is happening on 27 November.
Join legal experts & humanitarian practitioners to explore the Commentary’s role in strengthening compliance with IHL.
🔗 Register now → bit.ly/49Ei3Gi
Join legal experts & humanitarian practitioners to explore the Commentary’s role in strengthening compliance with IHL.
🔗 Register now → bit.ly/49Ei3Gi
bit.ly
November 19, 2025 at 11:06 AM
📅 Just one week to go | The “Launch Event: Updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention” is happening on 27 November.
Join legal experts & humanitarian practitioners to explore the Commentary’s role in strengthening compliance with IHL.
🔗 Register now → bit.ly/49Ei3Gi
Join legal experts & humanitarian practitioners to explore the Commentary’s role in strengthening compliance with IHL.
🔗 Register now → bit.ly/49Ei3Gi
Reposted by Matt Pollard
👥 Meet the panelists for: “Launch of the Updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
The panelists will come together for a dynamic discussion on the Commentary’s key findings and their practical implications.
Register now: bit.ly/49Ei3Gi
@icrc.org #GenevaConventions #GCIV
The panelists will come together for a dynamic discussion on the Commentary’s key findings and their practical implications.
Register now: bit.ly/49Ei3Gi
@icrc.org #GenevaConventions #GCIV
November 11, 2025 at 12:28 PM
👥 Meet the panelists for: “Launch of the Updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
The panelists will come together for a dynamic discussion on the Commentary’s key findings and their practical implications.
Register now: bit.ly/49Ei3Gi
@icrc.org #GenevaConventions #GCIV
The panelists will come together for a dynamic discussion on the Commentary’s key findings and their practical implications.
Register now: bit.ly/49Ei3Gi
@icrc.org #GenevaConventions #GCIV
Just out: new issue of the @icrc.org International Review of the Red Cross, on protection of the dead. @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social #IHL
Protection of the Dead
Whether lawful or unlawful, death is an inherent part of war - and has been throughout history. Yet, until now, IHL rules on the protection of the dead have received relatively little attention in sch...
international-review.icrc.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Just out: new issue of the @icrc.org International Review of the Red Cross, on protection of the dead. @icrclawpolicy.bsky.social #IHL
Reposted by Matt Pollard
📅 Save the date: 20 November | Implementing IHL in Challenging Times
Marking 30 years of the ICRC’s Advisory Service on #IHL, this event reaffirms that even in challenging times, implementing IHL is both possible and essential.
🔗 Sign up now: bit.ly/4nKxhgH
Marking 30 years of the ICRC’s Advisory Service on #IHL, this event reaffirms that even in challenging times, implementing IHL is both possible and essential.
🔗 Sign up now: bit.ly/4nKxhgH
EVENT: Implementing IHL in Challenging Times: A Panel Discussion to Mark the 30th Anniversary of the ICRC’s Advisory Service on IHL
bit.ly
November 7, 2025 at 12:08 PM
📅 Save the date: 20 November | Implementing IHL in Challenging Times
Marking 30 years of the ICRC’s Advisory Service on #IHL, this event reaffirms that even in challenging times, implementing IHL is both possible and essential.
🔗 Sign up now: bit.ly/4nKxhgH
Marking 30 years of the ICRC’s Advisory Service on #IHL, this event reaffirms that even in challenging times, implementing IHL is both possible and essential.
🔗 Sign up now: bit.ly/4nKxhgH
Blog post by @icrc.org colleagues Tilman Rodenhauser (@trodenhauser.bsky.social), Samit D'Cunha, Laurent Gisel (@laurentgisel.bsky.social), as well as Anna Rosalie Greipl (@geneva-academy.ch) & @marcoroscini.bsky.social (University of Westminster).
From hackers to tech companies: IHL and the involvement of civilians in ICT activities in armed conflict
Five key risks, and state obligations, when civilians become involved in information and communication technology activities in armed conflict.
blogs.icrc.org
November 4, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Blog post by @icrc.org colleagues Tilman Rodenhauser (@trodenhauser.bsky.social), Samit D'Cunha, Laurent Gisel (@laurentgisel.bsky.social), as well as Anna Rosalie Greipl (@geneva-academy.ch) & @marcoroscini.bsky.social (University of Westminster).
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Register now for this online @icrc.org event, 4 November at 13:30 CET, with my colleague @trodenhauser.bsky.social.
EVENT: From Hackers to Tech Companies: IHL and the Involvement of Civilians in ICT Activities in Armed Conflict
www.icrc.org
October 13, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Register now for this online @icrc.org event, 4 November at 13:30 CET, with my colleague @trodenhauser.bsky.social.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (@icrc.org) revised commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention, on the protection of civilians, is now online!
ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treat...
Below, an introductory post by head of the project, Jean-Marie Henckaerts. #IHL
ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treat...
Below, an introductory post by head of the project, Jean-Marie Henckaerts. #IHL
Protecting civilians in good faith: the updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention
Good faith interpretation means reading GC IV in a way that realizes its object and purpose - to protect human beings in times of war.
blogs.icrc.org
October 21, 2025 at 6:26 PM
The International Committee of the Red Cross (@icrc.org) revised commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention, on the protection of civilians, is now online!
ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treat...
Below, an introductory post by head of the project, Jean-Marie Henckaerts. #IHL
ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treat...
Below, an introductory post by head of the project, Jean-Marie Henckaerts. #IHL
Reposted by Matt Pollard
📜 “It is possible to protect civilians in war.”
After five years of research and consultations, the @icrc.org has released the updated Commentary on GC IV, the cornerstone of civilian protection in armed conflict and occupation.
Read more → bit.ly/4ovsaSf
#IHL #GenevaConventions
After five years of research and consultations, the @icrc.org has released the updated Commentary on GC IV, the cornerstone of civilian protection in armed conflict and occupation.
Read more → bit.ly/4ovsaSf
#IHL #GenevaConventions
Protecting civilians in good faith: the updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention
Good faith interpretation means reading GC IV in a way that realizes its object and purpose - to protect human beings in times of war.
bit.ly
October 21, 2025 at 10:14 AM
📜 “It is possible to protect civilians in war.”
After five years of research and consultations, the @icrc.org has released the updated Commentary on GC IV, the cornerstone of civilian protection in armed conflict and occupation.
Read more → bit.ly/4ovsaSf
#IHL #GenevaConventions
After five years of research and consultations, the @icrc.org has released the updated Commentary on GC IV, the cornerstone of civilian protection in armed conflict and occupation.
Read more → bit.ly/4ovsaSf
#IHL #GenevaConventions
High-Level Launch of the Progress Report for the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law! #IHL
- 15:00 Geneva time today, 16 October 2025.
- Livestreaming: www.youtube.com/live/-SzsS0N...
- Co-hosted by Costa Rica, Slovenia, Switzerland &
@icrc.org
- 15:00 Geneva time today, 16 October 2025.
- Livestreaming: www.youtube.com/live/-SzsS0N...
- Co-hosted by Costa Rica, Slovenia, Switzerland &
@icrc.org
High-Level Launch of the Progress Report for the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL
www.icrc.org
October 16, 2025 at 11:42 AM
High-Level Launch of the Progress Report for the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to International Humanitarian Law! #IHL
- 15:00 Geneva time today, 16 October 2025.
- Livestreaming: www.youtube.com/live/-SzsS0N...
- Co-hosted by Costa Rica, Slovenia, Switzerland &
@icrc.org
- 15:00 Geneva time today, 16 October 2025.
- Livestreaming: www.youtube.com/live/-SzsS0N...
- Co-hosted by Costa Rica, Slovenia, Switzerland &
@icrc.org
Register now for this online @icrc.org event, 4 November at 13:30 CET, with my colleague @trodenhauser.bsky.social.
EVENT: From Hackers to Tech Companies: IHL and the Involvement of Civilians in ICT Activities in Armed Conflict
www.icrc.org
October 13, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Register now for this online @icrc.org event, 4 November at 13:30 CET, with my colleague @trodenhauser.bsky.social.
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Attention researchers and practitioners!
The International Review of the Red Cross calls for papers on 'Before War: Prepare to Comply with IHL'. Submit by 1 December 2025, and contribute to this vital discussion.
Read more: ms.spr.ly/63322sQFpe
The International Review of the Red Cross calls for papers on 'Before War: Prepare to Comply with IHL'. Submit by 1 December 2025, and contribute to this vital discussion.
Read more: ms.spr.ly/63322sQFpe
September 30, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Attention researchers and practitioners!
The International Review of the Red Cross calls for papers on 'Before War: Prepare to Comply with IHL'. Submit by 1 December 2025, and contribute to this vital discussion.
Read more: ms.spr.ly/63322sQFpe
The International Review of the Red Cross calls for papers on 'Before War: Prepare to Comply with IHL'. Submit by 1 December 2025, and contribute to this vital discussion.
Read more: ms.spr.ly/63322sQFpe
Reposted by Matt Pollard
We cannot let artificial intelligence in military applications develop without human oversight and regulation, lest algorithms replace human judgment and control in life and death decisions.
@ICRC statement at #UNGA80:
icrc.org/en/statement/w…x.com/ICRC/status/.../1
@ICRC statement at #UNGA80:
icrc.org/en/statement/w…x.com/ICRC/status/.../1
x.com
September 27, 2025 at 1:49 PM
We cannot let artificial intelligence in military applications develop without human oversight and regulation, lest algorithms replace human judgment and control in life and death decisions.
@ICRC statement at #UNGA80:
icrc.org/en/statement/w…x.com/ICRC/status/.../1
@ICRC statement at #UNGA80:
icrc.org/en/statement/w…x.com/ICRC/status/.../1