Humanitarian Law

The Wall in Abu-Dis, Jerusalem area, June 2004. Photo: Hanna Lagerlöf

What is International humanitarian law?

International humanitarian law, also referred to as the laws of war or laws of armed conflict, is a collection of rules with the fundamental purpose to alleviate human suffering in armed conflicts. There is a distinction within international humanitarian law (IHL) between those who are actually engaged in fighting, the combatants, and those who are not.

When does IHL apply?

International humanitarian law (IHL) applies to armed conflicts. IHL does not apply in internal disturbances or tensions. Internal disturbances are riots, demonstrations, and isolated, sporadic acts of violence, that take place inside a territory of a state.

Where can you find IHL?

A major part of international humanitarian law (IHL) is found in the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 (I-IV GC) and the two additional protocols from 1977 (I-II AP). The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 are the core of IHL. The Geneva Conventions were adopted to limit the human suffering in times of armed conflict.
Read more about where you find international humanitarian law

Protection

The primary objective of IHL is to protect and assist those who are not participating in military hostilities. They are usually divided into the following categories: the sick and wounded, medical personnel, civilians and prisoners of war. The above are called protected persons.

Protection means they should not be a military target, and that they have special rights, for example, the right to medical care. In order not to cause unnecessary suffering and superfluous injuries to those who do take part in hostilities, IHL also limits the means and methods of warfare.

Revised
25/10/2006 Netta Amar ihl_diakonia@palnet.com

Easy Guide to International Humanitarian Law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt)

Humanitarian Law

What is International humanitarian law?

When does IHL apply?

Where can you find IHL?

Protection