ICRC offers support to the governments of both the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) a day after the outbreak of the Korean War
The day after the outbreak of the Korean War, ICRC President, Paul Ruegger, sent two identical telegrams to the governments of both the ROK and DPRK, offering the services of the ICRC and urging both parties to comply with the humanitarian principles enshrined in the Geneva Conventions.
The International Committee of Red Cross, founded in 1863, neutral and non-political institution composed exclusively of Swiss citizens and whose humanitarian intermediary is provided for in cases of international or civil war and internal disturbances, wishes to assure you [we are] at your disposal to accomplish […] traditional tasks in existing situation in Korea […] In our opinion, the fact that Korea is not a party or signatory to these international agreements signed by sixty-one States should not prevent de facto application of humanitarian principles protecting war victims contained in said Conventions.
Telegrams dated 26 June 1950 from the ICRC to the ministers of foreign affairs of the ROK and DPRK, respectively.
ICRC Archives, B G 17 (172)
Source : Icrc
