International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a set of special rules of international law that limits the effects of armed conflicts on people. The purpose of this law is to protect the lives, human dignity, and safety of people who are not directly taking part in the fighting, or who have stopped taking part directly.
International Humanitarian Law also sets limits on the means and methods of warfare used by the parties to a conflict. Direct and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian objects, causing unnecessary suffering, and the use of certain weapons and methods are prohibited or limited under this law.
The rules of International Humanitarian Law include special protections for the wounded and sick, prisoners of war, civilians, medical workers, and humanitarian workers. There are also special rules to protect cultural property, places of worship, objects necessary for the survival of civilians, and some other important civilian facilities.
The main foundations of International Humanitarian Law include the Geneva Conventions, Additional Protocols, other international treaties, and customary international law. This law has different rules for international and non-international armed conflicts, and its legal framework is determined according to the nature and circumstances of the conflict.
International Humanitarian Law does not decide whether starting a war was legal or illegal. Instead, when an armed conflict occurs, it regulates the conduct of the parties to the conflict and sets necessary legal limits to reduce the harm caused to people by war.
Protection of Human Life and Dignity
Under International Humanitarian Law, the life, honor, dignity, security, and all lawful opportunities of civilians and people at risk should be protected as much as possible. Under the law, human life has special value, and even during war, conflict, and violence, the protection of human life and dignity must receive serious attention.
All people have a responsibility to protect the lives and dignity of others, especially in a war environment where people’s lives and safety face serious dangers. Saving and protecting the lives of the wounded, sick, civilians, and other people at risk is not only a legal responsibility, but also a shared human duty and responsibility. In every situation of war, human life, honor, and dignity should be protected from all unnecessary harm.