Thomas DSM
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Thomas DSM
@thodsm.bsky.social
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Humanitarian law & policy • Deputy Head of Legal Division & Head of Support @ICRC.org • #IHL and #ICRC actions
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Thomas DSM @thodsm.bsky.social · Oct 2
And learn about some overarching conflict trends by watching this short video clip:
Armed conflicts in the world today: The data
Beyond physically helping people caught up in war, at the International Committee of the Red Cross, our legal experts analyse and classify wars. Why do we do this? Because recognizing a conflict under international law forms the basis of our confidentially dialogue with warring parties and their le
www.youtube.com
thodsm.bsky.social
Sudan: Leaders must now show political courage to stop the killing and ensure that parties to the conflict return to the rules of war. All states have the obligation not only to uphold international humanitarian law in their own conduct but also to ensure that others do the same.
icrc.org International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · 10d
The humanitarian situation in Al Fasher and other parts of Sudan is nothing less than catastrophic. World leaders must act to end the indiscriminate killing.

Statement attributable to Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross: ms.spr.ly/63323tEZvx
The appalling abuses of the rules of war we are witnessing in Sudan are indefensible. No patient should be killed in a hospital, and no civilian shot while trying to flee their home. These horrific attacks must stop and international humanitarian law must be respected. Around the world, millions of people live behind the bars, deprived of their liberty. Whatever the reason for their arrest and detention, they're entitled to humanely with respect for their physical and mental well-being. Since its founding in 1863, The International Committee of the Red Cross has workiet to protect and assist victims of armed conflict and violence while advocating for governments and armed groups to respect and strengthen international humanitarian law. Know more about our work in detention places in this video. The world has turned a blind eye while civilians in Sudan have endured unthinkable horror. We have repeatedly called on the parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, yet it continues to be violated with impunity. Civilians are enduring brutal attacks, rampant sexual violence, and the deliberate destruction of essential services. Facilities once dedicated to saving lives have become scenes of death and destruction. We have been demanding that attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel stop. Yet just this week in North Kordofan, five of our colleagues from the Sudanese Red Crescent Society were killed. Lives in Sudan now depend on strong and decisive action to stop these atrocities. The world cannot stand by as civilians are stripped of safety and dignity, and the rules of war meant to protect them are trampled.”
November 2, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
icrclawpolicy.bsky.social
📅 The “From Hackers to Tech Companies: IHL and the Involvement of Civilians in ICT Activities in Armed Conflict” event is happening next week!

Join this interactive expert discussion on key legal questions to limit civilian involvement & prevent IHL violations.

🔗 Register now → bit.ly/48EZ0ev
EVENT: From Hackers to Tech Companies: IHL and the Involvement of Civilians in ICT Activities in Armed Conflict
bit.ly
October 29, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
corduladroege.bsky.social
The fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are practical tools necessary to carry out our humanitarian mission.
States parties to the Geneva Conventions are bound at all times to respect our adherence to these Principles.
blogs.icrc.org/law-and-poli...
Sixty years on: why the Fundamental Principles must be lived, not just remembered
The Fundamental Principles are living commitments that must be exercised and defended, to keep humanity alive in the darkest of times.
blogs.icrc.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
corduladroege.bsky.social
📢Watch here the launch of the progress report of the Global initiative to galvanize political commitment for international humanitarian law - the product of consultations with 130 states, expert meetings and events around the world:
#IHL
youtube.com/live/-SzsS0NHG… via @YouTube
YouTube
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
https://youtube.com/live/-SzsS0NHG…
October 17, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
icrc.org
Israel and the Occupied Territories | Last night, we facilitated the transfer of four deceased hostages to Israeli authorities.

Our teams also facilitated the transfer of 45 deceased Palestinians to Gaza.

Read more: ms.spr.ly/63326s4Tdn
"We know that the families won't give up on their loved ones, and neither will we – we are prepared to fulfil our role for as long as it takes, and as agreed by the parties. It is the responsibility of the parties to search for, collect, and evacuate human remains. The parties must endeavor to facilitate the return of the remains of the deceased to their families. The ICRC can fulfil its functions as a neutral intermediary only through the cooperation of all actors, and within the framework of the current agreement.”
October 15, 2025 at 7:34 AM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
cedcotter.bsky.social
Pierre Krähenbühl: A Gaza, "un niveau de destruction jamais vu en 30 ans d'humanitaire" www.rts.ch/info/monde/2...
Pierre Krähenbühl: A Gaza, "un niveau de destruction jamais vu en 30 ans d'humanitaire" | RTS
Le directeur général du CICR Pierre Krähenbühl décrit la situation de l'aide humanitaire à Gaza et le rôle joué dans la libération des otages et des prisonniers palestiniens, soulignant un niveau de d...
www.rts.ch
October 14, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
icrc.org
We urge the dignified management of the deceased as we continue the operations to facilitate the transfer of human remains as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel & Hamas.

Families grieving the loss of their loved ones have already endured unimaginable pain.

ms.spr.ly/63322sNSsC
We urge the dignified management of the deceased as we continue the operations to facilitate the transfer of human remains as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Families grieving the loss of their loved ones have already endured unimaginable pain. All parties must ensure that the return of human remains is done under dignified conditions, and uphold dignity and humanity. We call on the parties and the mediators to ensure the agreement is faithfully applied and the remains of the deceased are returned to grieving families. It is a pivotal task and an essential element for the full implementation of the agreement.
October 14, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
icrc.org
Today, we facilitated the safe return of 20 hostages to Israeli authorities & 1,809 Palestinian detainees to Gaza and the West Bank.

We call for the continued implementation of the agreement to allow families to receive their loved ones for dignified burial.

Read more: www.icrc.org/en/news-rele...
Today, we facilitated the safe return of 20 hostages to Israeli authorities and 1,809 Palestinian detainees to Gaza and the West Bank. Our teams also transferred the remains of four deceased hostages to Israeli authorities. We stand ready to further support the transfer of remains of the deceased, as per the agreement between the parties. Relevant actors must abide by their commitments to uphold human dignity, and end the pain and suffering endured by so many.
October 13, 2025 at 5:12 PM
thodsm.bsky.social
The @icrc.org has started a multi-phase complex operation to facilitate the release and transfer of hostages and detainees as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, at the request of the parties. It is crucial to reuniting separated families.

www.icrc.org/en/news...
October 13, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
icrclawpolicy.bsky.social
📢 Call for Papers “Before War: Prepare to Comply with IHL”

The #IRRC welcomes anyone interested in submitting a proposal by 1 December 2025, exploring preparedness during peacetime for compliance with #IHL

Submit your abstract: bit.ly/4811ow1
@icrc.org #Research
Call for Papers: “Before War: Prepare to Comply with International Humanitarian Law”
Call for Papers: “Before War: Prepare to Comply with International Humanitarian Law” Deadline for Submission of Abstract: 01 December 2025 Decision whether Abstract has been selected: 20 December 2025...
bit.ly
September 30, 2025 at 9:40 AM
thodsm.bsky.social
What is the legal definition of an "armed conflict"? This is more than theory; answer to this question impacts real lives and responsibilities for warring parties, states and non-state armed groups.
Watch this explainer by @corduladroege.bsky.social
How is an “armed conflict” legally defined and why do definitions matter?
Legally defining and classifying armed conflicts has real-world consequences. Warring parties must know and respect international humanitarian law and preserve humanity in the chaos of war. In this video, the ICRC's Chief Legal Officer, Cordula Droege, explains how a war or “armed conflict” is defin
www.youtube.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
corduladroege.bsky.social
You can find information on the Global Initiative to galvanise political commitment for #IHL at www.upholdhumanityinwar.org/documentation, including
✅ Workstreams
✅ Next events and consultations
✅ Statements from states in previous consultations
Humanity in War
www.upholdhumanityinwar.org
September 22, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
corduladroege.bsky.social
In the face of egregious and widespread violations of international humanitarian law in conflicts around the world, we need to act. Leaders of 🇿🇦🇧🇷🇨🇳🇫🇷🇯🇴🇰🇿 together with @ICRC urge States and the international community to uphold the #GenevaConevntions

www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-fo...
World leaders united in defence of international humanitarian law to uphold humanity in war (21 September 2025)
Alarmed by widespread violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) in conflicts around the world and the resulting unconscionable human (…)
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
September 21, 2025 at 4:13 PM
thodsm.bsky.social
Self-defense groups play an important role in today’s conflicts. This raises serious risks.

What are the legal obligations coming with the use of self-defense groups by parties to armed conflict, or when they act independently?

How to ensure respect for IHL and better protection of civilians?
September 19, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
mpollard.bsky.social
"Dignity in death": New article on #IHL & protection of the dead in armed conflicts, by my @icrc.org colleagues @ximenalondono.bsky.social & @helenobregon.bsky.social, in the International Review of the Red Cross.
Dignity in death: International humanitarian law and the protection of the deceased in war | International Review of the Red Cross | Cambridge Core
Dignity in death: International humanitarian law and the protection of the deceased in war
www.cambridge.org
September 18, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
icrc.org
📍Gaza | It is unacceptable for a health facility like Nasser Medical Complex to be damaged in a strike and for medical personnel, journalists, patients & first responders to be killed and injured.

Medical facilities, civilians, journalists & first responders must be protected.
Nasser Medical Complex (NMC) is one of the last major hospitals still operating in southern Gaza, and provides critical and specialized medical care to thousands of patients in an area where few medical facilities remain amid ongoing hostilities. For a health facility like NMC to be damaged in a strike on Monday morning, and for medical personnel, journalists, patients and first responders to be killed and injured as a result of this, is unacceptable. Such strikes cause death and destruction, and jeopardize vital lifelines for patients who have few sanctuaries left. NMC is a referral hospital for the Red Cross Field Hospital and other medical units. It is crucial to guarantee its continued operation and accessibility for both medical personnel and patients. We reiterate that under international humanitarian law, medical facilities, civilians, and first responders must be respected and protected. All feasible steps must be taken to support their work and ensure their safety. We urgently call for the respect and protection of those who play essential roles in safeguarding life and dignity amidst armed conflict.
August 26, 2025 at 2:01 PM
thodsm.bsky.social
“If states invest in defence, they must also budget for international humanitarian law. (…) IHL is only as strong as leaders’ will to uphold it"

@icrc.org President www.icrc.org/en/news...
August 18, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
icrc.org
We welcome the recent ceasefire announced by Thailand and Cambodia, and we reiterate our readiness to conduct further detainee visits.

This week, our team was able to visit 18 Cambodian POWs detained in Thailand.

We stand ready to continue supporting.

Read more: ms.spr.ly/63329sOyyl
We welcome the recent ceasefire announced by Thailand and Cambodia, and we reiterate our readiness to conduct further detainee visits. The announcement follows recent hostilities along the countries’ joint border that resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement of persons, and damage to key infrastructure. The ceasefire offers some respite to those affected by the hostilities, which saw families flee their homes, lose loved ones, and access to necessities. We are ready to support both nations to carry out similar future detainee visits and act as a neutral intermediary in any planned releases. Also, we stand ready to scale up our support as needed and urge continued respect for IHL, which includes access to persons detained in relation to the conflict.
August 8, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
icrc.org
📍 Gaza | Since May 27, the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah has treated over 4,500 weapon-wounded patients, most of whom said they were reaching food distribution sites when injured.

It is unacceptable that people are being injured and killed while trying to feed their families.
Since May 27, the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah has treated more than 4,500 weapon-wounded patients, most of whom reported they were attempting to reach food distribution sites when they were injured. Since the opening of these food distribution sites, there have been more than 30 mass casualty incidents received at the field hospital. It is unacceptable that people are being injured and killed while simply trying to feed their families. Civilians in Gaza must have access to food, water, medical and hygiene supplies, and other essentials to live in dignity. At the same time, a rapid and unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance into Gaza must be allowed and facilitated. Impartial humanitarian organizations with decades of experience must be enabled to operate in line with their mandates, principles, and working modalities. We cannot allow an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis to deteriorate further. Countless lives hang in the balance.
August 8, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
corduladroege.bsky.social
So many ‚never again‘ are in peril today.

The only credible way to avoid nuclear war is the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

80 years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: A call to eliminate nuclear weapons www.icrc.org/en/statement...
80 years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: A call to eliminate nuclear weapons
www.icrc.org
August 5, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
laurentgisel.bsky.social
Pleased to share the joint statement by the Presidents of #JapaneseRC & @icrc.org on the risks #nuclear #weapons still pose 80 years after the horrifying tragedy caused by the bombings of #Hiroshima & #Nagasaki.
Are enough efforts being made to rid the world of these weapons?
#IHL shorturl.at/1ggKH
80 years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: A call to eliminate nuclear weapons
shorturl.at
August 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
corduladroege.bsky.social
#Gaza:
All States have an obligation to respect and ensure respect for international humanitarian law #IHL, including by ensuring that the arms they transfer do not contribute to violations of IHL. 

www.icrc.org/en/statement...
Israel and the occupied territories: ICRC president calls for urgent collective action by states to end abhorrent suffering in Gaza
www.icrc.org
July 25, 2025 at 9:20 PM
thodsm.bsky.social
Gaza - The scale of human suffering and the stripping of human dignity have long exceeded every acceptable standard – both legal and moral.
States must do more to ensure that the parties to the conflict fulfil their obligations under IHL.
Statement by @icrc.org President.
icrc.org International Committee of the Red Cross @icrc.org · Jul 25
Gaza | The scale of human suffering and the stripping of human dignity have long exceeded every acceptable standard, both legal and moral.

This tragedy must end now.

Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC President: ms.spr.ly/63327sGyPt
"There is no excuse for what’s happening in Gaza. This tragedy must end now, immediately and decisively. Every political hesitation, every attempt at justification of the horrors being committed under international watch, will forever be judged as a collective failure to preserve humanity in war.”
July 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
mpollard.bsky.social
An updated version of the @icrc.org legal briefing note "Starvation, Hunger and Famine in Armed Conflict: An overview of relevant provisions of international humanitarian law" is now available online.
Starvation, Hunger and Famine in Armed Conflict: An overview of relevant provisions of international humanitarian law
This briefing note outlines the rules of international humanitarian law (IHL) most relevant to food security, starvation, and the prevention of hunger and famine in situations of armed conflict. Thes...
shop.icrc.org
July 21, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Reposted by Thomas DSM
icrc.org
📍 Gaza | We are devastated by the killing of our colleague Mahmoud Barakeh, who worked at the Red Cross Field Hospital. He was killed on his way home on Sunday, 22 June.

Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.

Five ICRC colleagues have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
We are very sad to announce the death of another ICRC colleague in Gaza. Mahmoud Barakeh, who worked supporting logistics at the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah, was killed on Sunday, 22nd June. Mahmoud leaves behind his wife, three sons, and two daughters. His killing is a profound personal loss and a painful moment for our teams. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. This heartbreaking loss is yet another stark reminder of the immense challenges our colleagues and the people of Gaza, face each day.
June 24, 2025 at 10:05 AM