International Humanitarian Law

Study Notes

International Humanitarian Law

Geneva Conventions

A set of four treaties (1949) and three additional protocols (1977, 2005) that establish the rules for the protection of victims of international and non-international armed conflicts
Core principles:
- Distinction between civilians and combatants
- Prohibition of targeting civilians and civilian objects
- Protection of prisoners of war and detainees
- Protection of cultural property and the environment
Key provisions:
- Protection of the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked
- Protection of prisoners of war
- Protection of civilians in occupied territories
- Prohibition of certain weapons (e.g., poison, dum-dum bullets)

Protection of Civilians

Core principles:
- Civilians must not be targeted or attacked
- Civilians must be distinguished from combatants
- Parties to a conflict must take necessary precautions to avoid harming civilians
International humanitarian law protections for civilians:
- Protection from violence, terror, and intimidation
- Protection from forced displacement and transfer
- Protection of civilian objects (e.g., homes, schools, hospitals)
- Special protection for vulnerable groups (e.g., children, women, refugees)
Role of humanitarian organizations:
- Providing aid and assistance to affected populations
- Advocating for the protection of civilians
- Supporting the implementation of international humanitarian law

Humanitarian Intervention

The use of military force by one or more states to protect civilians from large-scale violence, often in situations of humanitarian crisis
Key considerations:
- Last resort: intervention should only occur when all other options have been exhausted
- Proportionality: the use of force must be proportionate to the threat posed
- Right intention: the primary motivation must be to protect civilians, not to pursue national interests
International legal framework:
- Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine
- United Nations Security Council authorization
- International humanitarian law and human rights law
Controversies and challenges:
- Sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs
- Selectivity and inconsistency in intervention
- Risks of unintended consequences and escalation

Description

Test your knowledge of the Geneva Conventions, protection of civilians, and humanitarian intervention. Learn about the core principles, key provisions, and international legal frameworks that govern armed conflicts and humanitarian crises.