The ICRC Archives document the history of humanity through the prism of humanitarian action during warfare from 1863 until today. By preserving and making records available, the archives valorise the ICRC’s past actions and thinking to inform present and future decision-making.

The ICRC's general archives are composed of operational, diplomatic and institutional files that differentiate them from the so-called "Agency" archives, which contain individual and personal data on war victims. The public general archives cover about 1.6 linear km.

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Mar 5, 2025 · The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) launches a comprehensive, searchable online catalogue of historical archives (1863-1975). This tool enhances accessibility, supports research, and promotes easier access to invaluable collections.

Oct 13, 2014 · The ICRC's Agency archives contain data on individuals that the ICRC and its tracing agencies have collected during conflict, starting in 1870. The data was all collected as part of the ICRC's efforts to restore family links and to protect prisoners of …

As of early 2020, the ICRC archives held approximately: 9 million digital documents, 19 linear kilometers of shelf space for paper records, 34 terrabytes of audiovisual electronic media, and; 41 million Index cards about individual persons from the two World Wars.

The ICRC launched a comprehensive, searchable online catalogue of the historical archives (1863-1975). This tool enhances accessibility, supports research, and promotes easier access to invaluable collections.

Dec 27, 2023 · The photographic archives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) contain some 140,000 images in various formats documenting 160 years of humanitarian action carried out by the ICRC and, more broadly, the …

These comprehensive collections make the ICRC Library's catalogue the most exhaustive resource for research on the ICRC and IHL, with core collections available in full text online. The library team answers queries by email and provides online and on-site research services.

(1) The present Rules govern access to the ICRC's archives, which comprise:• the archives of the ICRC's decision-making bodies;• the archives of Committee members;• the archives of the various units at headquarters;• the archives of individual delegations;• archival material from other sources which are kept at the ICRC.