What is meant by law of armed conflict?

The law of armed conflict is defined as the requirement of states to use their military capabilities while ensuring that humanitarian values are being observed; although the two have irreconcilable differences they must be mutually consistent in order to protect civilians in armed conflict situations (Harold et al., 4) …

What are the principles of the law of armed conflict?

Three interdependent principles—military necessity, humanity, and honor—provide the foundation for other derivative LOAC principles—most importantly, distinction and proportionality—as well as most of the treaty and customary rules of LOAC.

What is the importance of the law of armed conflict?

The international law of armed conflict (also known as international humanitarian law, also known as the law of war) regulates the conduct of hostilities—including the use of weaponry—and the protec- tion of victims in situations of both international and non-international armed conflict.

How humanity and human rights are affected by wars?

In recent decades, armed conflict has blighted the lives of millions of civilians. Serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law are common in many armed conflicts. In certain circumstances, some of these violations may even constitute genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity.

What are the types of armed conflicts?

Two categories of armed conflict are identified under the existing treaty regime: international armed conflicts (IAC) occurring between two or more States; and (b) non-international armed conflicts (NIAC) which occur between State and non-governmental armed groups, or only between armed groups.

Can human rights law protect war victims?

Today, three areas of modern international law attempt to provide protection to victims of war: human rights law, refugee law and humanitarian law.

What kinds of human rights are commonly violated in an armed conflict?

These include actions that are recognised as violating the most basic human rights, such as violence endangering life, torture and physical or moral coercion, as well as non-compliance with many due process rights.

How does human rights law differ from the law of war the law of war and other bodies of law pg 3 of 8?

How does Human Rights Law differ from the Law of War? Human Rights Law deals with individual rights against abuses by their government, while the Law of War regulates the conduct of hostilities.

What are the effects of armed conflict?

War kills, and its consequences extend far beyond deaths in battle. Armed conflict often leads to forced migration, long-term refugee problems, and the destruction of infrastructure. Social, political, and economic institutions can be permanently damaged.

Who is protected in an armed conflict?

International humanitarian law (IHL) provides that civilians shall enjoy general protection from the effects of armed conflict, protects civilians from being the object of attack, and prohibits attacks that are indiscriminate.

How does the rule of law protect human rights?

As defined by the Secretary-General, the rule of law requires that legal processes, institutions and substantive norms are consistent with human rights, including the core principles of equality under the law, accountability before the law and fairness in the protection and vindication of rights (S/2004/616, para. 6).

How are the civilians to be protected in armed conflict?

Guaranteeing compliance with and promoting accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law; ensuring protection through UN peacekeeping and other missions; providing humanitarian access; and delivering protection specifically to those who are most vulnerable, such as women and children …

How does armed conflict and violence affect human rights?

Is human rights law can protect war victims?

IHL is applicable in armed conflicts only. International Human Rights Law is applicable in all situations. All but the non-derogable provisions, the “hard core” of International Human Rights Law, however, may be suspended, under certain conditions, in situations threatening the life of the nation.

Does human rights law can protect war victims?

As general principles of international law they are the cornerstones of the protection of war victims through law. They are binding under all circumstances and no derogation is ever permissible.

Does human rights law apply in war?

International humanitarian law (IHL) regulates the conduct of parties under an “armed conflict” and requires humane treatment of civilians, prisoners, the wounded and sick. i IHL binds all parties to an armed conflict individually including members of State and non-State armed groups.

What are the causes of armed conflicts?

Causes of armed conflict

• genetic and evolutionary/biologist theories (aggression as a genetic function, maximisation of survival chances) ;
• behaviourist theories (war as learned behaviour) ;
• cost-benefit theories (maximisation of benefit) ;
• ecological (war for scarce resources) ;