The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) can receive custody of and transport human remains during armed conflicts.
October 17, 2025
high
general
The ICRC and its national Red Cross/Red Crescent societies often serve as neutral intermediaries for humanitarian transfers, including the handling of remains in conflict zones.
The ICRC has historically overseen exchanges of remains and has served as one of the few channels of communication between adversaries during active conflicts, including exchanges in conflicts involving Israel and armed groups in Gaza and Lebanon.
high
historical
Describes a recurring role the ICRC has played in past conflicts as a facilitator of exchanges and communications.