International Humanitarian Law

So International Humanitarian Law is a topic that i find quite fascinating so I thought I would blog about it.

(I am getting all my facts from ICRC.org)



International humanitarian law aka the law of war or law of armed conflict, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross, is set up to limit the effects of armed conflict. However, it doesnt regulate if a state may use force or not. That is established by a distinct part of international law displayed in the United Nations Charter. IHL applies to armed conflict in which two or more states are involved.

IHL is set out to control the means and methods of warfare. IHL is meant to protect those no longer participating in conflict/hostilities.

A major part of IHL is that parties of conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants. IHL states that the civilian population can not be attacked. Attacks can only be made against the military. Its against IHL to kill an opponent who surrenders or who is no longer able to take part in war. Any weapons or methods that cause excessive suffering or unnecessary loss is not allowed as well as anything that causes long-term harm to the environment is not allowed.

International Humanitarian law is established in the Fourth Geneva Conventions (1949). However, there have been myriads of international humanitarian law violations.

More on this a bit later.