International Humanitarian Law [2025-2027]

: Only those measures necessary to achieve a legitimate military purpose are permitted.

: It is illegal to target homes, schools, or hospitals. Civilians must be shielded from the effects of military operations. International humanitarian law

: Parties must always distinguish between combatants and civilians, and between military objectives and civilian objects. : Only those measures necessary to achieve a

IHL mandates specific protections for those not involved in active fighting: : Parties must always distinguish between combatants and

According to the American Red Cross , IHL is built upon four fundamental principles that guide decisions in the chaos of war:

: The use of weapons or methods of warfare that cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering is strictly prohibited. Essential Protections

: Medical staff and the wounded must be cared for regardless of their side. Organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) work tirelessly to uphold these standards.