humanitaarrõigus

Humanitaarrõigus, also known as international humanitarian law (IHL), is a set of rules that seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict. It protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. IHL is also known as the law of war or the law of armed conflict.

The core principles of humanitaarrõigus include distinction, which requires parties to a conflict to distinguish between combatants and civilians, and proportionality, which prohibits attacks that are expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination thereof, which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated. It also mandates precautions in attack, requiring parties to take all feasible precautions to avoid, and in any event to minimize, incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians and damage to civilian objects.

Key treaties that form the basis of humanitaarrõigus include the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. These conventions cover the protection of wounded and sick soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians in times of war. The Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 also form an important part of IHL, focusing on the laws and customs of war on land, including the means and methods of warfare.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) plays a crucial role in promoting and ensuring respect for humanitaarrõigus. National courts and international tribunals also have a role in prosecuting violations of IHL, often referred to as war crimes. The aim of humanitaarrõigus is to alleviate suffering and uphold a minimum standard of humanity even in the midst of armed conflict.