Legal Definitions - armed conflict

Armed conflicts are situations where there is fighting between two or more groups. There are two types of armed conflicts: international and domestic. International armed conflicts happen when there is fighting between two or more countries. Domestic armed conflicts happen when there is fighting between a country and a group within that country or between different groups within that country.

In order for someone to be prosecuted for a war crime, there must be an armed conflict. Some war crimes require an international armed conflict, while others only require a domestic armed conflict.

Examples of domestic armed conflicts include situations where there is a long-lasting fight between a government and an organized group within the country. Examples of international armed conflicts include wars between two or more countries.

It's important to note that not all violent situations are considered armed conflicts. Riots, isolated acts of violence, and other similar situations are not considered armed conflicts.