A media campaign on the rules of war

Geneva Call

Who we are

Geneva Call is the organization behind this media campaign. Its purpose is to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law by those taking part in armed conflict — the fighters themselves.

The campaign works through the "Key 15 Rules for Fighters", a set of short educational videos, and a downloadable mobile application, so that the rules of war are available to people in conflict zones in the languages they speak.

War has rules too. In times of war, not everything is allowed.

War has rules too, and the people who actually wage war are the ones who most need to know them. Fighter Not Killer is a media campaign devoted to making the rules of armed conflict familiar to the fighters themselves — the armed forces, groups, and individuals who take part in hostilities on the ground. In practice, this means translating the core requirements of international humanitarian law into plain, memorable guidance: what is prohibited, what is permitted, and what responsibilities rest on those who plan, order, and carry out attacks.

The work takes the form of short educational videos, a downloadable mobile application, and a set of key rules covering the protection of civilians, medical personnel and facilities, humanitarian relief workers, and wounded or dead persons. It also addresses treatment of prisoners of war and hostages, the conduct of hostilities, the use of weapons and methods of warfare, and prohibitions such as rape, looting, and summary executions. By reaching combatants directly, the campaign aims to reduce violations, support compliance with the law, and make the human cost of conflict visible to the people who can influence it.