: Parties must always distinguish between civilians and combatants, and between civilian objects and military objectives.
: It limits the means (weapons used) and methods (tactics employed) of warfare to minimize unnecessary suffering. : Parties must always distinguish between civilians and
: Crucially, IHL is distinct from jus ad bellum , which governs the legality of going to war in the first place; IHL ( jus in bello ) applies once a conflict has started, regardless of its cause. 2. The Four Fundamental Pillars Definition and Core Purpose : It safeguards civilians
This paper provides a detailed overview of , also known as the "law of war" or the "law of armed conflict." IHL is a set of rules that, for humanitarian reasons, seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict. 1. Definition and Core Purpose or are no longer
: It safeguards civilians and those hors de combat (out of the fight), such as the wounded, sick, and prisoners of war.
: The use of weapons or tactics that cause "superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering" is strictly forbidden. 3. Legal Sources of IHL The rules of IHL are derived from several primary sources: International Humanitarian Law - ICRC
IHL is a branch of public international law that regulates the conduct of hostilities and protects persons who are not, or are no longer, participating in combat.