Two children play football in front of a concrete wall.
Israel-Palestine: Publication

Easy Guide to International Humanitarian Law

16 June 2021

The aim of this Easy Guide to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is to equip professionals working in the occupied Palestinian territory or on issues relating to the context, with an accessible guide to key concepts in the international legal framework applicable to situations of armed conflicts and occupation.

The Easy Guide is a resource for lawyers and legal advisors, policy makers, members of the diplomatic community, members of civil society organizations, humanitarian professionals, development professionals, human rights advocates, journalists and media specialists.

Easy Guide to International Humanitarian Law

Reference for Professionals Working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

4th revised edition (2021)

1. What is public international law?

2. Who are duty bearers under international law?

3. What is international humanitarian law?

4. Who is protected under international humanitarian law?

5. What is military necessity?

6. When does international humanitarian law apply?

7. What are the main sources of international humanitarian law?

8. What is international human rights law?

9. When and where does international human rights law apply?

10. What are the main sources of international human rights law?

11. How do international humanitarian law and international human rights law interact?

12. What are armed conflicts?

13. What are armed groups?

14. What is a belligerent occupation?

15. What is the law of belligerent occupation?

16. What are the main obligations of an Occupying Power?

17. What are the basic principles governing the use of force in situations of armed conflict?

18. What is annexation?

19. Who are combatants?

20. How are civilians protected under international humanitarian law?

21. What are military objectives?

22. How are civilian objects protected under international humanitarian law?

23. What are the legal obligations regarding humanitarian assistance in armed conflict?

24. How do international humanitarian law and international human rights law protect detainees?

25. What are the responsibilities of States under international law?

26. What are war crimes?

27. What are the avenues for accountability?