What are key sources of IHL?
- Treaty law: Including the four Geneva Conventions adopted in 1949 and their Additional
Protocols adopted in 1977, etc. Relative dispositions to non-international armed conflicts are
Common Article 3 of the four Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol II of The Geneva
Conventions.
- Customary IHL: Set of rules that come from a general practice accepted as law and exist
independent of treaty law. The ICRC has identified 161 customary rules of IHL. 141 out of the
161 rules are applicable to non-international armed conflicts.
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Who must follow IHL?
All combatants and civilians participating in hostilities are bound to respect and apply IHL.
When does IHL apply?
IHL applies to armed conflicts between states (international armed conflicts). It also includes those between armed groups and States or between armed groups (non-international armed conflicts). It does not apply in times of peace. To be applicable ...
What is IHL?
IHL is the body of international law that sets out rules of behavior 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 ...
What are the three main rules of IHL?
Principle of distinction: Distinguish between civilians and fighters. Only attack military objects or persons directly participating in hostilities. Do not attack those people not participating in hostilities, nor objects expressly used by civilians. ...
What is Principles of Humanity?
Principles of Humanity is a free virtual training platform aiming to educate all interested in learning more about international humanitarian law. It contains key messages to learn, quizzes and resource material.