International humanitarian law is sometimes called “The Law of War” or “The

Law of Armed Conflict.” Put simply, IHL consists of rules for armed conflict intended to
limit the impacts of violence, whether internal or between states. It protects persons
who are not, or are no longer, directly or actively participating in hostilities, and imposes
limits on the means and methods of warfare. IHL is part of public international law,
which is made up primarily of treaties, customary international law and general
principles of law.

Why is IHL important?

IHL is one of the most powerful tools the international community has at its
disposal to ensure the safety and dignity of people in times of war. It seeks to preserve
a measure of humanity amidst conflict, with the guiding principle that even in war there
are limits. From passages in the Quran and to medieval European codes of chivalry, this
ever-growing set of rules of engagement aims to limit a conflict’s effects on civilians or
non-combatants.

When does IHL apply?

IHL applies in three situations:
1. international armed conflicts, which involve at least two countries;
2. situations where the whole or part of a country’s territory is occupied by a
foreign power;
3. armed conflicts that arise within a country between a government and one or
more organized armed groups, or between various organized armed groups.
IHL applies to all parties to a conflict, regardless of who started it.

Whom does IHL protect?

IHL protects combatants and those who are not, or are no longer, participating
in hostilities, such as:
civilians;
 medical and religious personnel;
wounded, shipwrecked and sick combatants;
prisoners of war;
civilian internees.
Recognizing their specific needs, IHL grants women and children additional
protection.

How does IHL protect?

IHL governs the conduct of hostilities by the parties to a conflict and protects
persons in enemy hands. It also:
requires the parties to a conflict to distinguish between combatants and
civilians, and to refrain from attacking civilians;
prohibits or limits the use of weapons that are particularly cruel or that do
not distinguish between combatants and civilians;
requires the parties to a conflict to care for the wounded and sick and to
protect medical personnel;
requires the parties to a conflict to ensure that the dignity of prisoners of war
and civilian internees is preserved, in particular by allowing visits by ICRC
delegates.

Who Enforces IHL?

Certain serious violations of IHL can be investigated and prosecuted against
responsible individuals by the International Criminal Court in in The Hague,
Netherlands. Prosecutions can also take place in some domestic courts that have
adopted “universal jurisdiction.” That refers to courts deciding to prosecute a crime
committed outside its country by people who are not its nationals–but where the crime
is serious enough to warrant prosecution anywhere.

Key Terms:
1. IHL (International Humanitarian Law): Rules for wars, also known as the law of war.
2. Armed Conflict: War or a prolonged fight between groups or countries.
3. Hostilities: Acts of war or fighting.
4. Impacts of Violence: Consequences of violent actions in war.
5. Public International Law: Rules for how countries and international groups interact.
6. Treaties: Formal agreements between countries with legal obligations.
7. Customary International Law: Established practices considered as legal rules.
8. General Principles of Law: Basic legal principles everyone agrees on.
9. Dignity: Being worthy of respect.
10. Rules of Engagement: Guidelines on how force can be used.
11. Passages in the Quran: References to the holy book of Islam showing the roots of
humanitarian principles.
12. Codes of Chivalry: Ethical codes followed by knights, focusing on honor and protection of
the vulnerable.
13. Civilians: Non-combatant people not involved in war.
14. Medical and Religious Personnel: People providing healthcare or religious services in war
zones.
15. Combatants: People actively involved in fighting, such as soldier etc.
16. Wounded, Shipwrecked, and Sick Combatants: People needing medical help during war.
17. Prisoners of War: People captured and held by the enemy.
18. Civilian Internees: Non-combatants detained during war.
19. Women and Children: Groups receiving extra protection in war.
20. Conduct of Hostilities: Behavior and actions of parties in war.
21. Prohibit or Limit the Use of Weapons: Restrictions on using cruel or indiscriminate
weapons.
22. Care for the Wounded and Sick: Providing medical help to those in need.
23. ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross): Organization helping and protecting
during wars.
24. International Criminal Court (ICC): Court prosecuting individuals for serious war violations.
25. Universal Jurisdiction: Court authority to prosecute crimes regardless of where they
happened or the nationality of the people involved.

Adapted from:
1. International Rescue Committee, 2023. International humanitarian law. Accessed
on 10 November 2023, from https://www.rescue.org/article/why-international-
humanitarian-law-important
2. Reliefweb, 2018. The Basics of International Humanitarian Law. Accessed on 10
November 2023, from https://reliefweb.int/report/world/basics-international-
humanitarian-law-december-2017
3. International Committee of The Red Cross, 2022. What is international
humanitarian law? Accessed on 10 November 2023, from
https://www.icrc.org/en/document/what-international-humanitarian-law