basic principles of the law of armed conflict

States that have signed and ratified the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 19 have given the ICRC a mandate to protect victims of international and internal armed conflicts. The ICRC also monitors the implementation of International Humanitarian Law rules and norms. Established in 1863, the initiatives of the ICRC have greatly contributed to the development of the laws of war. The International Committee of the Red Cross, a non-governmental humanitarian organization with its headquarter in Geneva, is the primary institution for International Humanitarian Law.

In addition, International Humanitarian Law rules aim to restrict the methods and means of warfare used during the hostilities by the parties involved. The main objective of these rules is to provide protection to the civilian population and civilian objects as well as to those persons who are no longer taking part in the hostilities. Its rules can be found in treaties and international customary law. These rules also apply to a situation of occupation arising from armed conflict. International Humanitarian Law, also known as the Laws of War or Law of Armed Conflict, regulates international and non-international armed conflict. International Humanitarian Law consists of rules applicable during armed conflict.

Basic principles of the law of armed conflict