Introduction to IHL
This Swiss businessman’s experiences at the Battle of Solferino inspired the creation of the Red Cross.
Henry Dunant
Additional Protocol I
Additional Protocol expanded protection for victims of international conflicts.
This principle requires distinguishing between civilians and combatants.
Principle of distinction
This branch of IL applies at all times, not only during armed conflict.
International human rights law
This international intergovermental organization plays a key role in promoting and monitoring compliance with IHL.
UN
These agreements, signed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, limited the use of certain weapons and bombardment methods.
The Hague Conventions
These rules emerge from state practice and are binding even without treaty ratification.
Customary international law
This principle forbids causing superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering.
Principle of humanity
This branch of IL establishes individual criminal responsibility for war crimes.
International criminal law
This UN body can issue binding decisions on member states regarding international peace and security.
Security Council
Known as the “humanity clause,” this rule ensures that even when a conflict is not explicitly regulated, individuals remain protected.
The Martens Clause
What is the principle of international criminal accountability?
This principle allows UN peacekeepers to investigate and refer cases of war crimes to international courts.
This principle prohibits attacks where civilian harm is excessive compared to military advantage.
Principle of proportionality
During armed conflict, these two branch of law may apply simultaneously.
IHL and human rights law
This UN body develops international law norms, indirectly influencing IHL.
General Assembly
This 1948 treaty defines the crime of intentionally destroying a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Genocide Convention)
Second Geneva Convention (1949)
Protection of wounded, sick, and shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea.
This principle allows force only to the extent necessary to achieve a legitimate military objective.
Military necessity
This international treaty, adopted in 1998, created a permanent court to prosecute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC)
This principle requires a state not to participate in a conflict and not favor any side.
Neutrality
What is the Ottawa Treaty
This 1993 treaty bans anti-personnel mines.
Name the “forgotten war” where IHL principles were first widely tested at sea.
The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905)
This principle means that a more specific rule takes precedence over a general one when both apply.
Lex specialis
What is UNSC Resolution 827 (ICTY)
This UN Security Council resolution created a tribunal to prosecute violations of IHL in the former Yugoslavia.
This UN body investigates alleged violations of IHL and can refer cases to the International Criminal Court.
The UN Human Rights Council or Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights