International humanitarian law governs how wars are fought and protects civilians, prisoners of war, and infrastructure. The Geneva and Hague Conventions formalize the laws of war, define war crimes, and provide a framework for prosecuting war criminals. The law also regulates weapons used in warfare and offers protection to refugees and prisoners of war. Customary international law expands expectations of nations during conflicts and establishes standards of conduct for war victims.
International humanitarian law establishes guidelines for armed conflict to protect civilians, prisoners of war and others from unintentional harm. These principles govern how wars are fought and outline the basic standards that all member nations ratify through treaties. The Geneva Convention and the Hague Convention formalize the laws of war, define war crimes and provide the framework for prosecuting war criminals.
In 1864, the first Geneva Convention created a body of law establishing protocols for armed conflict. Successive conventions strengthened and modified the rules governing military conduct in time of war. The Hague Convention recognized the existence of customary international law and provided for international tribunals and international courts to prosecute criminals guilty of genocide and other war crimes.
One of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law is the protection of civilians not directly involved in conflicts. It guarantees medical assistance to the sick or injured and defines the medical personnel and their equipment as a neutral party. The International Red Cross, for example, is recognized and respected by law.
The protocols in these treaties also protect against collateral damage to infrastructure necessary for civilian survival. International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on the crops, homes and workplaces of people who are not in military service or actively engaged in warfare. The law grants special protections to women and children in times of war and establishes guidelines to protect religious structures and environmental resources.
International humanitarian law also regulates the types of weapons used in warfare. It prohibits chemical and bacterial warfare that can kill innocent people and destroy food supplies. Landmines are also covered by international treaties regulating warfare.
Several amendments to the law offered protection to prisoners of war. These treaties allow for the detention of military fighters to prevent them from fighting. Prisoners of war must be treated humanely while in custody and may not be tortured or exposed to physical or mental cruelty. They must receive adequate housing, food and medical care while in custody. At the end of an armed conflict, prisoners of war must be released, in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law.
These laws also apply to refugees who flee a country or region to escape persecution. Refugees enjoy the same protection as civilians, whether they seek asylum in another country or within the borders of their home country. International humanitarian law guarantees refugees assistance with food, water and temporary shelter. Treaties between countries aim to avoid displacement whenever possible during conflict.
Customary international law covers rules not formalized in treaties. These protocols expand the expectations of nations during conflicts within countries or between nations. These laws affect protected areas and independent journalists working in war zones. Customary laws establish standards of conduct and protection of war victims that may be lacking in formal treaties.
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