Which organization primarily addresses the legal protections afforded to civilians during armed conflict?

The International Red Cross is the organization that primarily addresses the legal protections afforded to civilians during armed conflict, particularly through its role in promoting International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The organization, and its component, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is dedicated to ensuring respect for the laws and customs of war which aim to protect individuals who are not participating in hostilities, including civilians.

This organization plays a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about these laws, monitoring their implementation, and offering assistance to those affected by conflict. It provides a humanitarian perspective to the legal protections established under the Geneva Conventions, which evolved from IHL principles.

While the United Nations does address issues related to human rights and civilian protection, its mandates often encompass broader dimensions of peace and security rather than focusing solely on humanitarian protections in conflict scenarios. Similarly, NATO's focus is largely military and strategic rather than strictly legal protections for civilians. The World Health Organization, while critical in public health crises, particularly in emergencies caused by armed conflict, does not specialize in the legal frameworks surrounding civilian protections. Thus, the role of the International Red Cross stands out prominently in this context.