Topic 5: International Humanitarian Law – The Rules of War

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) differs from Human Rights Law in that it applies to the treatment of individuals during armed conflict. The idea of honourable behaviour in times of war goes back centuries and originates from what is known as customs of war. All customs and many religions have these traditions.

The purpose of these customs or traditions was to regulate behaviour towards non-combatants and also combatants.

The body of international agreements designed to ensure fair treatment in times of war is known as The Geneva Conventions. (See MODULE 14)

As an example, “Starvation of civilians as a method of combat is prohibited. It is therefore prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render useless, for that purpose, objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, such as foodstuffs, agricultural areas for the production of foodstuffs, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works.”

The Geneva Conventions date from 1949. After the horrors of World War II, the nations realised that it was necessary to agree, write down and publish the customs and traditions of humanitarian war. They continue to be reviewed and updated in light of new circumstances

Please study Resources for Further Reading, MODULE 13, to expand your knowledge of human rights.