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INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

What is International humanitarian law ?

International humanitarian law (IHL) is the body of international law that sets out the rules of behaviour for those engaged in an armed conflict. Its aim is to limit the suffering caused by armed conflict, while seeking to protect human life and dignity. 

It protects both civilians and those no longer participating in hostilities. All combatants and civilians participating in hostilities are bound to respect and apply IHL.

Main Rules

1. Do not attack civilians, civilian property or civilian public buildings.
 
2. Do not launch any attack if civilian collateral damage is expected to be greater than the anticipated military advantage.
 
3. Take the necessary precautions to protect civilians before and during attacks.
4. Do not use prohibited weapons and do not engage in unlawful methods of war.
 
5. Respect the rights of prisoners and treat them humanely.
 
6. Do not commit summary executions.
 
7. Do not take hostages or use human shields.
 
8. Do not displace civilians unless necessary for their own safety or for imperative military reasons.
 
9. Do not loot or steal.
 
10. Allow impartial humanitarian relief for civilians in need.
INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

What is International humanitarian law ?

International humanitarian law (IHL) is the body of international law that sets out the rules of behaviour for those engaged in an armed conflict. Its aim is to limit the suffering caused by armed conflict, while seeking to protect human life and dignity. It protects both civilians and those no longer participating in hostilities. All combatants and civilians participating in hostilities are bound to respect and apply IHL.

Main Rules

  1. Do not attack civilians, civilian property or civilian public buildings.
  2. Do not launch any attack if civilian collateral damage is expected to be greater than the anticipated military advantage.
  3. Take the necessary precautions to protect civilians before and during attacks.
  4. Do not use prohibited weapons and do not engage in unlawful methods of war.
  5. Respect the rights of prisoners and treat them humanely.
  6. Do not commit summary executions.
  7. Do not take hostages or use human shields.
  8. Do not displace civilians unless necessary for their own safety or for imperative military reasons.
  9. Do not loot or steal.
  10. Allow impartial humanitarian relief for civilians in need.

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Useful links

What are the principles of IHL?

Principle of Distinction

Principle of Proportionality

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