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, cultural property, journalists, torture & ill-treatment.
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
Reposted by Matt Pollard
When does disrupting connectivity cross a legal line at war?
From bombing a communication tower to national shutdowns, connectivity disruptions are frequent in armed conflicts.
Read more about the limits #IHL imposes on such acts: ms.spr.ly/63325sqiRR
From bombing a communication tower to national shutdowns, connectivity disruptions are frequent in armed conflicts.
Read more about the limits #IHL imposes on such acts: ms.spr.ly/63325sqiRR
September 24, 2025 at 7:00 AM
When does disrupting connectivity cross a legal line at war?
From bombing a communication tower to national shutdowns, connectivity disruptions are frequent in armed conflicts.
Read more about the limits #IHL imposes on such acts: ms.spr.ly/63325sqiRR
From bombing a communication tower to national shutdowns, connectivity disruptions are frequent in armed conflicts.
Read more about the limits #IHL imposes on such acts: ms.spr.ly/63325sqiRR
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Last year, Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and the ICRC launched the Global Initiative on humanitarian law. They now call to end IHL violations and announce their plan to hold a 2026 high-level meeting to uphold humanity in war.
ms.spr.ly/63328sUbsq
ms.spr.ly/63328sUbsq
World leaders united in defence of international humanitarian law to uphold humanity in war
World leaders united in defence of international humanitarian law to uphold humanity in war
ms.spr.ly
September 21, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Last year, Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan, South Africa, and the ICRC launched the Global Initiative on humanitarian law. They now call to end IHL violations and announce their plan to hold a 2026 high-level meeting to uphold humanity in war.
ms.spr.ly/63328sUbsq
ms.spr.ly/63328sUbsq
"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
"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.
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Hi, I’m Will, weapon contamination (WEC) coordinator in Syria with the @icrc.org. For the next 3 days, I'll post about my work disposing of explosive ordnance in one of the most contaminated countries in the world.
📸 My team and I on disposal duty in rural Damascus
📸 My team and I on disposal duty in rural Damascus
August 20, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Hi, I’m Will, weapon contamination (WEC) coordinator in Syria with the @icrc.org. For the next 3 days, I'll post about my work disposing of explosive ordnance in one of the most contaminated countries in the world.
📸 My team and I on disposal duty in rural Damascus
📸 My team and I on disposal duty in rural Damascus
Reposted by Matt Pollard
🕊️ 76 years since the adoption of the #GenevaConventions
To mark this anniversary, the #ICRC will soon release the updated GCIV Commentary.
Watch the teaser to learn more about why this remains essential in today’s conflicts.
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Ng...
To mark this anniversary, the #ICRC will soon release the updated GCIV Commentary.
Watch the teaser to learn more about why this remains essential in today’s conflicts.
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Ng...
Coming soon: ICRC Commentary on the 4th Geneva Convention
YouTube video by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
www.youtube.com
August 12, 2025 at 9:50 AM
🕊️ 76 years since the adoption of the #GenevaConventions
To mark this anniversary, the #ICRC will soon release the updated GCIV Commentary.
Watch the teaser to learn more about why this remains essential in today’s conflicts.
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Ng...
To mark this anniversary, the #ICRC will soon release the updated GCIV Commentary.
Watch the teaser to learn more about why this remains essential in today’s conflicts.
🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8Ng...
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Almost 80 years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the human cost remains a stark reminder: nuclear weapons must never be used again.
Read more in the joint statement from the Presidents of the ICRC and the Japanese Red Cross.
👉 www.icrc.org/en/statement...
Read more in the joint statement from the Presidents of the ICRC and the Japanese Red Cross.
👉 www.icrc.org/en/statement...
August 5, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Almost 80 years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the human cost remains a stark reminder: nuclear weapons must never be used again.
Read more in the joint statement from the Presidents of the ICRC and the Japanese Red Cross.
👉 www.icrc.org/en/statement...
Read more in the joint statement from the Presidents of the ICRC and the Japanese Red Cross.
👉 www.icrc.org/en/statement...
Reposted by Matt Pollard
Gaza | Les souffrances et les atteintes à la dignité humaine que l’on y constate dépassent depuis longtemps toutes les normes acceptables, sur le plan tant juridique que moral.
Mirjana Spoljaric, présidente du CICR: ms.spr.ly/63321sHkg3
Mirjana Spoljaric, présidente du CICR: ms.spr.ly/63321sHkg3
July 28, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Gaza | Les souffrances et les atteintes à la dignité humaine que l’on y constate dépassent depuis longtemps toutes les normes acceptables, sur le plan tant juridique que moral.
Mirjana Spoljaric, présidente du CICR: ms.spr.ly/63321sHkg3
Mirjana Spoljaric, présidente du CICR: ms.spr.ly/63321sHkg3
Reposted by Matt Pollard
#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...
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
#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...
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...