International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is an important body of law that seeks to protect people affected by armed conflict. It sets out the basic rules of conduct between parties to an armed conflict and applies to all kinds of conflicts, from international wars to civil wars. IHL is also known as the Law of War, the Law of Armed Conflict or the Law of Peace.
Basic Principles of International Humanitarian Law
The most fundamental principles of IHL are the principles of humanity, military necessity, distinction, proportionality, and humane treatment. These are the core principles that guide the application of IHL, and they are reflected in all aspects of the law.
• Humanity: IHL seeks to protect the lives and dignity of people affected by war, and to limit the suffering caused by armed conflict.
• Military Necessity: IHL restricts the use of force to what is necessary and proportionate for achieving a legitimate military objective.
• Distinction: IHL requires parties to an armed conflict to distinguish between civilians and combatants and to target only military objectives.
• Proportionality: IHL limits the use of force to what is necessary and proportionate for achieving the legitimate military objective.
• Humane Treatment: IHL requires all parties to an armed conflict to treat all persons humanely, regardless of their legal status.
Applications of International Humanitarian Law
IHL has a wide range of applications, from the conduct of hostilities to the protection of civilians and other vulnerable persons and groups. It also applies to the treatment of prisoners of war, the protection of cultural property, the use of specific weapons, and the regulation of the use of force by non-state actors.
• Conduct of Hostilities: IHL regulates the conduct of hostilities, including the use of weapons, the protection of civilians, and the protection of humanitarian personnel and equipment.
• Protection of Civilians: IHL provides for the protection of civilians and other vulnerable persons and groups during armed conflict. This includes protection from direct attacks, attacks on civilian objects, and other violations of the law.
• Treatment of Prisoners of War: IHL provides for the humane treatment of prisoners of war, including their right to life, personal dignity, and protection from torture.
• Protection of Cultural Property: IHL protects cultural property from attack and destruction during armed conflict. This includes monuments, sites, and other cultural objects that are of great importance to humanity.
• Use of Specific Weapons: IHL regulates the use of certain weapons, including weapons of mass destruction, anti-personnel landmines, and other weapons that are indiscriminate or cause excessive suffering.
• Regulation of Force by Non-State Actors: IHL seeks to limit the use of force by non-state actors, including terrorist groups and other armed groups that are not part of a state's armed forces.