What is IHL?

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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 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 ...

• 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. ...