Dating back to 1869, the International Review of the Red Cross is the oldest international publication devoted to humanitarian law and action. Its archives represent a precious primary source on the history of the ICRC and of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, but also on the development of humanitarian law and action at large.

To mark the occasion of its 150th anniversary, the journal produced a special edition exploring how the journal reflects the evolution of warfare and humanitarian action over the past century and a half. Its 1105 issues till now contain 23,686 articles and 110,000 pages of history.

Download.

The International Review of the Red Cross is a peer-reviewed, academic journal produced three times a year by the ICRC and published by Cambridge University Press. Its aim is to promote reflection on humanitarian law, policy and action in armed conflict and other situations of collective armed violence. A specialized journal in humanitarian law, it endeavours to promote knowledge, critical analysis and development of the law, and contribute to the prevention of violations of rules protecting fundamental rights and values. The Review offers a forum for discussion on contemporary humanitarian action as well as analysis of the causes and characteristics of conflicts so as to give a clearer insight into the humanitarian problems they generate. Finally, the Review informs its readership on questions pertaining to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and in particular on the activities and policies of the ICRC.

Read more about this 150-year journey:
The International Review of the Red Cross at 150: What’s changed and what remains the same