The idea of international humanitarian law (IHL) is simple: even wars have limits.
IHL seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict on people and objects. Also known as the law of war or law of armed conflict, IHL protects certain categories of people and restricts the methods and means of warfare. The best-known IHL treaties are the Geneva Conventions.
Protecting people
IHL protects people who are not or no longer taking part in the fighting, such as civilians, the wounded, sick and shipwrecked, prisoners of war, detainees, and military medical and religious personnel. These people are entitled to respect for their lives, and parties to a conflict must provide them with assistance and treat them humanely at all times and without discrimination.
Protecting objects
IHL protects objects such as hospitals, ambulances and significant pieces of cultural property including places of worship, works of art and historic monuments. Under IHL it is also prohibited to destroy infrastructure necessary for the survival of the civilian population (such as drinking water supplies) and work containing dangerous forces (such as nuclear power stations or dams).
Limiting weapons and tactics
IHL limits the type of weapons and military tactics that can be used during armed conflict. It is prohibited to use weapons or methods of warfare which do not distinguish between those taking part in the fighting (combatants) and those who are not. IHL does not allow the use of weapons that cause the most appalling or unnecessary suffering, and it prohibits tactics that cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the environment.
All 194 nations of the world, including Australia, have ratified (agreed to be bound by) the four Geneva Conventions, the universal rules of war.
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"By preserving a sphere of humanity in the very heart of armed conflict, international humanitarian law keeps open the path towards reconciliation and contributes not only to restoring peace among the belligerents, but also to harmony among people."
- Inter-Parliamentary Union, 90th Conference, Canberra, September 1993.
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Photos: Boris Heger/ICRC; Marko Kokic/ICRC; Boris Heger/ICRC.