AbdulRehman Foundation

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the law of armed conflict or the law of war, aims to protect people who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and to limit the means and methods of warfare. IHL provides rules and principles that govern the conduct of armed conflicts and protect individuals and objects affected by such conflicts. Here are some of the places and objects protected by IHL:

1. Civilians: IHL provides protection for civilians who are not taking part in hostilities. It prohibits targeting civilians directly and requires parties to the conflict to distinguish between civilians and combatants. Civilians must be spared from violence, including arbitrary killings, torture, and inhumane treatment.
2. Medical and humanitarian personnel: IHL recognizes the vital role of medical and humanitarian personnel, such as doctors, nurses, and aid workers, in providing essential assistance to the wounded and sick. It protects these individuals, along with medical facilities and transports, from being targeted or attacked. Parties to the conflict are required to respect and protect their work.
3. Hospitals and medical facilities: IHL safeguards hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities from being attacked or used for military purposes. Parties to the conflict must respect their neutrality and ensure that they are protected, allowing them to provide medical care to the wounded and sick without hindrance.
4. Cultural property: IHL protects cultural property, such as museums, historical monuments, and places of worship, from being targeted, damaged, or destroyed. Parties to the conflict must take steps to safeguard cultural heritage and respect the principles of distinction and proportionality when conducting military operations near such sites.
5. Prisoners of war: IHL provides specific protections for individuals who have been captured and are considered prisoners of war (POWs). These protections include humane treatment, non-discrimination, and the right to communicate with the outside world. POWs must be released and repatriated at the end of hostilities.
6. Civilians in occupied territories: IHL provides safeguards for civilians living in territories under occupation. Occupying forces are prohibited from engaging in acts of violence, forced displacement, or any form of collective punishment against the civilian population. The welfare and rights of the civilian population must be respected and ensured.
7. Prohibited weapons and methods: IHL prohibits or restricts the use of certain weapons and methods of warfare that cause excessive harm or are indiscriminate in nature. This includes the use of chemical and biological weapons, as well as tactics that deliberately target civilians or cause disproportionate harm.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and IHL encompasses a wide range of rules and principles aimed at protecting individuals and objects affected by armed conflicts. The specific provisions of IHL are outlined in various international treaties, including the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.