Protocols were added to the Geneva Conventions in 19, and a range of other international conventions and protocols covering specific areas such as conventional weapons, chemical weapons, landmines, laser weapons, cluster munitions and the protection of children in armed conflicts has developed the reach of IHL. This time they also included the protection of civilians, reflecting the terrible experience of World War II. In August 1949, the four Geneva Conventions as we know them today were adopted. In 18, the Hague Conventions, mainly aimed at regulating the conduct of warfare, were also adopted. The Geneva Convention was extended, in 19 so as to improve the conditions of sick and wounded soldiers in the field and to define new rules on the protection of prisoners of war. In the century and a half that followed the body of international humanitarian law grew. It was at this time, too, that a neutral protective sign for those helping the victims of conflict was adopted a red cross on a white background, the exact reverse of the Swiss flag. Out of this act came one of the key elements of the first convention – the humane treatment of those no longer part of the battle, regardless of which side they were on. He was appalled by the lack of help for the wounded and organized local residents to come to their aid. One of them, Henry Dunant, had, by chance, witnessed the battle of Solferino in 1859. The initiative for the first convention came from five citizens of Geneva.

1864 changed all that and began a process of building a body of law that is still evolving today. For centuries before then, rules had applied to the conduct of war, but they were based on custom and tradition, were local or just temporary. The first was signed by 16 countries in 1864. The cornerstone of IHL is the Geneva Conventions. It is not acceptable to turn a blind eye. Not only must they respect the law, they have an obligation to ensure respect as well. It aims to protect persons who are not or are no longer taking part in hostilities, the sick and wounded, prisoners and civilians, and to define the rights and obligations of the parties to a conflict in the conduct of hostilities.īecause it is law, IHL imposes obligations on those engaged in armed conflict. IHL aims to limit the effects of armed conflicts for humanitarian reasons.

International humanitarian law is part of the body of international law that governs relations between States.

Armed conflict vs war