What are the principles of IHL?

What are the principles of IHL?

The core fundamental principles of IHL are:

• The distinction between civilians and combatants.
• The prohibition to attack those hors de combat (i.e. those not directly engaged in hostilities).
• The prohibition to inflict unnecessary suffering.
• The principle of necessity.
• The principle of proportionality.

When was IHL established?

www.redcross.org/ihl In 1949, an international conference of diplomats built on the earlier treaties for the protection of war victims, revising and updating them into four new conventions comprising 429 articles of law—known as the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949.

Are civilians entitled to engage in hostilities?

Civilians. According to customary international law, only members of the armed forces of a party to a conflict can take part in hostilities, and the law has always attempted to draw a clear distinction between the lawful combatant, who may be attacked, and the civilian, who may not.

What are the rules for conduct of hostilities?

Key principles of IHL governing the conduct of hostilities include: distinction, proportionality, precautions and prohibition of superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering.

What are the 7 fundamental principles of the Red Cross?

Our network is vast, but our approach is simple. All Red Cross programs and activities are guided by the Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

Who is the father of the IHL?

Who were the founders of contemporary IHL? Two men played a vital role in the emergence of contemporary IHL: Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, and Guillaume-Henri Dufour, a Swiss army officer.

What happens if a civilian takes part in direct hostilities?

In international humanitarian law the concept of “direct participation in hostilities” refers to conduct which, if carried out by a civilian, suspends his protection against the dangers arising from military operations.

Can a spy be treated as prisoner-of-war?

A spy caught in the act must not be punished without previous trial. A spy who, after rejoining the army to which he belongs, is subsequently captured by the enemy, is treated as a prisoner of war and incurs no responsibility for his previous acts of espionage.

What are the four fundamental principles of LOAC?

(1) Distinction – “In order to ensure respect for and protection of the civilian population and civilian objects,

Who implements IHL?

Many States have created a group of experts – often known as the national committee or commission on IHL – to facilitate implementation of IHL and coordinate activities in this area. At their request, the International Committee of the Red Cross, through its Advisory Service on IHL, provides advice and assists States.