Humanitarian Law

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the law of armed conflict, is a set of international rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons by protecting persons who are not, or are no longer, participating in hostilities and restricting the means and methods of warfare.

Why it matters

Establishes a legal framework to balance military necessity with the protection of civilians and non-combatants.
Mandates the humane treatment of prisoners of war and the protection of medical personnel and facilities during active conflict.
Provides a basis for international accountability and the prosecution of war crimes through international tribunals.
Serves as a critical mechanism for the delivery of humanitarian aid in volatile regions.

How it is asked

Questions often focus on the distinction between IHL and International Human Rights Law, the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the challenges of enforcing these norms in asymmetric warfare and modern urban conflict scenarios.

In the syllabus

Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration GS4

In the news

Casualties from drone strikes in Russia-Ukraine conflict 6 August

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