International Humanitarian Law

Overview

• Protects people globally by limiting suffering caused by war.
• 1949 Geneva Conventions: Agreed by countries worldwide.
  • Distinguishes between combatants & non-combatants (wounded, civilians, POWs).
  • Adapts to challenges of modern warfare.

Geneva Conventions

First Convention

• Protects wounded & sick soldiers.
• Ensures humane treatment, medical care, protection from violence.
• Protects medical personnel & facilities.
• Recognizes Red Cross & Red Crescent as signs of protection.

Second Convention

• Adapts First Convention to armed forces at sea.
• Protects the wounded, sick, & shipwrecked.

Third Convention

• Protects prisoners of war (POWs).
  • Humane treatment, no murder or torture.
  • Protection against sexual violence.
  • Specific protections for groups at particular risk (e.g., women).
  • Adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, medical attention.
  • Communication rights: Write home, ICRC visits.
  • Release without delay post-hostilities.

Fourth Convention

• Protects civilians, especially in adversaries' hands.
  • Humane treatment, prohibition of murder/torture/sexual violence.
  • Specific protections for at-risk groups (e.g., women & children).
  • Occupying power: Ensure food & medical supplies.
  • Humanitarian relief, protection for interned civilians, ICRC visit rights.
• Applied without discrimination (race, sex, nationality, religion, politics).

Article 3 (Common to Conventions)

• Fundamental protections in non-international armed conflicts (involving non-state parties).
  • Essential due to majority of current conflicts being non-international.

Additional Protocols

Protocol 1

• Safeguards international armed conflicts, dictates hostilities conduct.

Protocol 2

• Rules for certain non-international armed conflicts.

Protocol 3

• Recognizes the Red Crystal as an additional emblem.

Customary International Law

• Complements treaties in all types of armed conflicts.

Importance

• Upholds humanity in conflict.
• Prevents creation of insurmountable grievances.
• Facilitates return to peace when respected.