Legal Definitions - international humanitarian law

International humanitarian law, also known as the law of war, is a set of rules that governs armed conflicts between countries, and more recently, between countries and informal groups or individuals. It is a part of international law that regulates the conduct of war and aims to protect people who are not or are no longer taking part in hostilities.

International humanitarian law covers two main areas:

• Jus ad bellum: This refers to the legality of the reasons for going to war. It outlines when a country can resort to war.
• Jus in bello: This refers to the legality of the conduct during war. It outlines how countries must behave during war.

International humanitarian law is different from international human rights law, which focuses on the protection of human rights during peacetime.

Examples of international humanitarian law include the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the first Geneva Convention of 1864. These conventions outline the rules for the treatment of wounded and sick soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians during armed conflicts. They also prohibit certain acts, such as torture, rape, and the use of chemical weapons.

These examples illustrate how international humanitarian law aims to protect people who are not or are no longer taking part in hostilities. The Geneva Conventions provide guidelines for the treatment of those who are wounded, sick, or captured during war, as well as civilians who are affected by the conflict. By following these rules, countries can minimize the harm caused by war and protect the dignity and rights of all individuals involved.