INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Amid the Israel-Hamas war, nine Arab countries recently issued a joint statement condemning the targeting of civilians and violations of international law in Gaza.

oThe nine Arab countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

International Humanitarian Law

• About: It is a set of rules which seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict.

oIt protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare. 

• Known as: The law of war or the law of armed conflict.
• Origin: It is rooted in the rules of ancient civilizations and religions – warfare has always been subject to certain principles and customs.

International Humanitarian Law Cover

• Two Areas: The protection of those who are not, or no longer, taking part in fighting;
• Restrictions on the means of warfare in particular weapons and the methods of warfare, such as military tactics.