International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the laws of war or the law of armed conflict, is a set of rules and principles that aim to limit the effects of armed conflict and protect individuals who are not or are no longer taking part in the hostilities. It seeks to balance military necessity with humanitarian considerations, minimizing unnecessary suffering and safeguarding the rights of civilians and other non-combatants.
IHL applies to both international and non-international armed conflicts and is designed to ensure that even in the midst of warfare, certain fundamental principles are respected. These principles include the distinction between civilians and combatants, the prohibition of targeting civilians and civilian objects, and the obligation to provide protection to those who are wounded or captured. Other key principles of International Humanitarian Law include proportionality, military necessity and respect for fundamental human rights.
The best-known elements of International Humanitarian Law include the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, a set of multilateral treaties which establish the rights and protections afforded to individuals during armed conflicts. The principles of IHL are considered customary international law, meaning they are binding on all parties to armed conflicts, whether or not they have ratified specific treaties.
Violations of IHL can lead to individual criminal responsibility, and national courts, international courts or international tribunals may prosecute individuals for war crimes. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the key institution responsible for prosecuting individuals for the most serious violations of International Humanitarian Law.