Reduce human suffering during wartime by regulating the treatment of civilians, wounded soldiers, and prisoners of war.

 International humanitarian law is a set of rules which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict. It protects.



Also known as the law of armed conflict, is a set of rules that limit the effects of armed conflict and protect people who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities. It aims to reduce human suffering during wartime by regulating the treatment of civilians, wounded soldiers, and prisoners of war, as well as restricting the means and methods of warfare.

Key aspects of International Humanitarian Law:
Protection of Civilians: IHL mandates that civilians and civilian objects be protected from the effects of hostilities.

Protection of Those No Longer Participating: This includes wounded and sick soldiers, prisoners of war, and others who are hors de combat (out of combat).

Limitations on Warfare: IHL restricts the use of certain weapons and tactics, such as indiscriminate attacks and weapons that cause unnecessary suffering.

Distinction: Parties to a conflict must distinguish between combatants and civilians, targeting only military objectives.

Proportionality: Attacks that may cause incidental civilian harm must be proportionate to the expected military advantage.

Humanity: IHL aims to limit suffering and ensure humane treatment for all, regardless of their role in the conflict.

Who is bound by IHL?
All parties involved in an armed conflict, including state armed forces and non-state armed groups, are obligated to respect IHL. The Geneva Conventions, central to IHL, have been ratified by all 196 states, making them a universal body of law.

Consequences of Violations:
Violations of IHL are considered war crimes and can be prosecuted by national courts, international tribunals, or the International Criminal Court (ICC). The European Union (EU) is committed to promoting compliance with IHL, as violations can hinder humanitarian aid efforts and endanger humanitarian workers.

In essence, IHL aims to introduce a degree of humanity into the brutal reality of armed conflict.

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