International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
Geneva Conventions and War Crimes
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the law of armed conflict, is primarily codified in the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols. The Fourth Geneva Convention specifically addresses the protection of civilians during armed conflict. "Grave breaches" of the Conventions constitute war crimes and include wilful killing, torture, unlawful deportation or transfer, extensive destruction of property not justified by military necessity, and taking of hostages.
- Four Geneva Conventions: adopted August 12, 1949; universally ratified (196 state parties)
- First GC: wounded/sick soldiers; Second GC: naval forces; Third GC: prisoners of war; Fourth GC: civilians
- Additional Protocols: AP I (1977) — international conflicts; AP II (1977) — non-international conflicts; AP III (2005) — Red Crystal emblem
- Grave breaches = war crimes: wilful killing, torture, unlawful deportation, extensive destruction of property, hostage-taking
- Principle of distinction: parties must distinguish between combatants and civilians
- Principle of proportionality: attacks must not cause civilian harm disproportionate to military advantage
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): guardian of the Geneva Conventions, established 1863, Geneva
● Tracked since February 19, 2026 · last seen May 23, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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