Explicitly forbid rape or other forms of sexual violence in the context of armed conflict.Limit the weapons and tactics that can be used in war, to avoid unnecessary suffering.Specify that detainees must receive food and water and be allowed to communicate with their loved ones.Prohibit torture and degrading treatment of prisoners.Specify that medical workers, medical vehicles, and hospitals dedicated to humanitarian work cannot be attacked.

Mandate that the sick and wounded have a right to be cared for, regardless of whose side they are on.Every care must be taken to avoid harming them or their houses, or destroying their means of survival, such as water sources, crops, livestock. Recognize the right of civilians to be protected from the dangers of war and receive the help they need.Protect those who are no longer able to fight, like an injured soldier or a prisoner.

Protect those who are not fighting, such as civilians, medical personnel or aid workers.Very few international treaties have this level of support.Įveryone fighting a war needs to respect IHL, both governmental forces and non-State armed groups. The Geneva Conventions-critical to IHL-have been ratified by all 196 states. IHL does not regulate whether a State may use force. It protects people caught up in armed conflict who aren’t directly involved in it and restricts some of what participants in armed conflicts can do in war.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the rules of war, applies to armed conflicts. Supporting people through the New Zealand Disaster Fund Mental health training for emergency-affected communities International humanitarian law learning resources

International armed conflict definition