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The risks and legal limits of involving ‘self-defence groups’ in non-international armed conflict

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · 21d

Thrilled to share our latest with @thodsm.bsky.social:

From Myanmar to the Sahel, from the Middle East to the DRC, civilians organize in self-defence groups and ‘militias’, take up arms to defend their villages.

Who is responsible, and are their members combatants?
blogs.icrc.org/law-and-poli...

Whether and at what point groups of civilians become parties to armed conflicts, what their legal obligations are, and who is responsible for their conduct.

What are the 8 rules for civilian hackers in war? | ICRC

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Jul 28

In recent wars, hacker groups have targeted civilian infrastructure – from transport, to banks, to connectivity, to courts, and local governments.

In 2023, the @icrc.org published ‘8 Rules for Hackers’, based on #IHL.

Here is what they mean: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2hl...

YouTube video by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

www.youtube.com

Episode 137 – Hospitals and IHL with Cordula Droege

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Jul 18

How are hospitals protected in war, and how does the @icrc.org engage with States and NSAGs on this?

Listen to our Chief Legal Officer @corduladroege.bsky.social

www.asymmetricalhaircuts.com/episodes/epi...

What International Humanitarian Law (IHL) – the laws of war – say about hospitals, with Cordula Droege of the ICRC. Do like, subscribe and leave us a review. Want to find out more? Chec…

www.asymmetricalhaircuts.com

OEWG: ICRC address to the final meeting on IHL and ICT activities during armed conflict

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Jul 10

After 5 years, the #cyberOEWG will conclude this week.

Over one dozen statements by the @icrc.org – with one consistent message for the final report:

Uphold a humanitarian red-line in the use of ICTs: IHL protects civilians, including in the use of ICTs.

ms.spr.ly/6011SAvp9

ms.spr.ly

International humanitarian law and connectivity disruptions during armed conflict

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Jul 3

Thrilled to share my analysis of ‘IHL and connectivity disruptions during armed conflict’.

From Ukraine to Gaza, from Myanmar to Sudan – in times of war, connectivity is frequently disrupted.

Here are my thoughts on some limits that #IHL imposes.
blogs.icrc.org/law-and-poli...

ICRC Legal Adviser Tilman Rodenhäuser on the limits that international humanitarian law imposes on connectivity disruptions in armed conflict.

Respect for the dead under Islamic law: considerations for humanitarian forensics

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Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Jun 23

The reality we see today in the Middle East and the Sahel are very worrying.

I wish there had been no need to re-publish this important piece of my excellent @icrc.org colleague @ahmedal-dawoody.bsky.social.

blogs.icrc.org/law-and-poli...

Human dignity and the dead under Islamic law - insights for humanitarian forensics dealing with the management of the dead in Muslim contexts.

Armed Groups and International Law - Pragmatic engagement: advancing non-humanitarian drivers of restraint (part II)

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Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Jun 5

I agree and disagree: interesting blog on how non-humanitarian arguments can by used to achieve restraint by armed groups!
But in the end, such strategies are not alternatives to #IHL; they must be used to achieve the same humanitarian goals!

www.armedgroups-internationallaw.org/2025/05/28/p...

Promoting restraint among non-state armed groups often requires more than legal appeals—it demands engagement strategies that resonate with the groups’ own goals and concerns. This post outlines fi…

www.armedgroups-internationallaw.org

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Jun 3

Fact 1: Many States and civilian hackers aim to spare hospitals.

Fact 2: A digital emblem can help protect medical & humanitarian operations.

How? My eloquent friend and @icrc.org colleague Samit tells you!

techblogwriter.co.uk/red-cross-ic...

The Red Cross Digital Emblem: A New Era of Cyber Protection for Humanitarian Organizations

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Samit D'Cunha, a legal advisor at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), about the innovative Digital Emblem Project.

techblogwriter.co.uk

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Jun 2

How is tech changing the battlefield, today and tomorrow?

One trend that worries me: less human involvement through autonomous systems, but more civilian involvement through ‘Total Defence’ strategies.

Read my
@icrc.org
colleague @2eatsoup.bsky.social

info.icrc.org/e3t/Ctc/WY+1...

If you're not redirected in a few seconds, click here

info.icrc.org

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · May 16

This is how I joined 10 years ago – never wanted to leave again!

To all my young and brilliant #IHL minds – we need you!

Unique opportunity to join @icrc.org Legal Division for a 1-year traineeship.

careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%...

2nd RC3 Long Night of Research | Rc3research

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · May 12

How does the @icrc.org conduct operational research on #IHL and armed groups, and how does #IHL contribute to #peace?

Join us for the RC3 Long Night of Research!

Register here: www.rc3research.org/rc3-long-nig...

www.rc3research.org

From “total war” to “total defence”: tracing the origins of civilian involvement in armed conflict - Humanitarian Law & Policy Blog

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · May 6

Many States adopt ‘Total Defence’ concepts – 5 issues to learn from history on
❌ Whole of society mobilization
❌ Civilian support to military
❌ Civilian resistance
❌ War against the economy
❌ Propaganda and harmful information
Excellent read by my colleague:
blogs.icrc.org/law-and-poli...

How involving civilians in defence efforts can expose them to harm, complicate their legal protection, and increase the burden on states.

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Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Apr 29

Register for tomorrow’s webinar on "Civilian hackers in war": t.co/gflkg8izb1

➡️What are the origins and impact of the ICRC ‘8 Rules for Hackers’?

➡️What legal status for hackers in war?

➡️What is the responsibility of States?

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Apr 24

Join us in a fascinating event on ‘civilian hackers in State conflicts’.

Honored to discuss with experts from academic, military, and government about the limits and risks applicable to civilian hackers in war!

cil.nus.edu.sg/event/civili...

Artificial intelligence in the military domain: ICRC submits recommendations to UN Secretary-General

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Apr 22

@icrc.org submission to the @UNSG on #AI, with a dedicated section on AI in #ICTs

👉 Autonomous ICT tools risk of indiscriminate attacks, incidental harm, damage to critical civilian infrastructure

👉 States to consider whether #IHL provides sufficient safeguards!

www.icrc.org/en/article/a...

www.icrc.org

Armed Forces and Non-State Armed Groups Delegate

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Apr 15

Are you a (former) military officer?

We need your expertise & experience for the @icrc.org dialogue with armed forces & non-State armed groups.

Clear mission: encourage legally compliant behavior to limit suffering.

Deadline: 30 April

careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%...

careers.icrc.org

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Apr 3

Are you in Geneva and interested in #IHL challenges posed by cyber operations during armed conflict?

Thrilled to return to the IHEID and join experts in this discussion.

Register to attend: lnkd.in/e5Y7jvjg

Reducing the Human Cost of Large-Scale Military Operations

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Mar 11

By all means, we must prevent more wars!

But as states consider how to prepare for large-scale conflict, more thinking is needed on how to limit their human cost.

New piece by my @icrc.org colleagues on Reducing the Human Cost of Large-Scale Military Operations:
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....

<div> <div> <div> <div> <p><span>Large-scale military operations are rarely short, sharp, or decisive affairs. They often devolve into a protracted se

papers.ssrn.com

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Mar 7

Pour mes ami(e)s francophones :

Attendue depuis longtemps, voici la version française du Rapport 2024 du @icrc.org sur le DIH et les défis posés par les conflits armés contemporains

shop.icrc.org/download/ebo...

shop.icrc.org

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Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Mar 4

📢Job Opening: @icrc.org Adviser on Digital Tech of Warfare (in Kyiv).

Help us analyze and monitor the digitalization of warfare, understand its impact on people, and engage with state and non-state actors.

Unique and important role – do apply

careers.icrc.org/job/Kyiv-%28...

Digital Technologies of Warfare Adviser

careers.icrc.org

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Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Feb 19

The @icrc.org in the #CyberOEWG:

➡️The final #CyberOEWG report needs clear language on #IHL protection of civilians, medical & humanitarians.

➡️Common understandings of how IHL applies to the use of ICTs can be achieved; in fact, they already exist.

www.icrc.org/en/oewg-10th...

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Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Feb 18

The #UNSC has raised concern: Malicious ICT activities threaten humanitarian action.

#IHL is clear: Parties must allow and facilitate humanitarian action, and respect and protect humanitarian personnel & objects.

Here is a new @ICRC ICT & IHL short paper:

www.icrc.org/sites/defaul...

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Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Feb 17

Hospitals face cyber attacks.

What does the #IHL obligation to respect and protect medical personnel, units and transports mean in today’s digitalizing armed conflicts?

Clear #IHL obligations for belligerents exist, including when conducting ICT activities.

www.icrc.org/sites/defaul...

A steppingstone for more? Protecting civilian populations from ICT activities

Tilman Rodenhäuser @trodenhauser.bsky.social · Feb 13

The RCRC 2024 – the OEWG ‘21-‘25 – the ICRC’s IHL initiative – and a ‘digital emblem’:

Progress on the protection of civilian populations from ICT activities during armed conflict can and must be achieved.

Here is Laurent Gisel's and my view on how:
blogs.icrc.org/law-and-poli...

Protecting civilians from ICT activities through the ICT resolution adopted at the 34th Int'l Conference of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.