This topic will provide an overview of the Law of Armed Conflict, including its purpose, scope, sources, and principles.
Introduction to the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC)
(also known as International Humanitarian Law – IHL)
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Limits the means and methods of warfare, protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities, and seeks to reduce unnecessary suffering. |
| Scope | Applies to armed conflicts (international and non‑international) and to all parties involved – states, organized armed groups, and individuals. |
| Legal Basis | • 1949 Geneva Conventions & their Additional Protocols • Hague Conventions (1899, 1907) • Customary international law • Treaties of specific weapons (e.g., Chemical Weapons Convention) |
| Key Principles | 1. Distinction – differentiate combatants/military objectives from civilians/civilian objects. 2. Proportionality – avoid attacks where expected civilian harm would be excessive relative to the anticipated military advantage. 3. Necessity – use force only to achieve a legitimate military objective. 4. Humanity – prohibit means of warfare that cause unnecessary suffering. 5. Precaution – take all feasible steps to minimize civilian harm. |
| Type | Definition | Legal Regime |
|---|---|---|
| International Armed Conflict (IAC) | Hostilities between two or more states. | Full application of the four Geneva Conventions + Additional Protocol I (if ratified). |
| Non‑International Armed Conflict (NIAC) | Protracted armed violence between a state and organized non‑state armed groups, or between such groups themselves. | Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions + Additional Protocol II (if ratified). |
| Other Situations | Internal disturbances, riots, isolated acts of violence – not covered by LOAC. | Domestic law and human‑rights law apply instead. |
| Category | Main Protections |
|---|