International Humanitarian Law (IHL) [Law of war or Law of armed conflicts]

Definition: General definition: laws and customs seeking to mitigate the effects of armed conflicts.

Elements for a more detailed definition: IHL finds its application only in times of conflict. IHL is a body of international law intending to resolve humanitarian problems arising from international (GCAPI 1977) or non-international (GCAPII 1977) armed conflicts. IHL establishes international rules derived mainly from treaties, customs and general principles of IHL. These rules on humanitarian grounds: Limit the right of parties to a conflict to use certain: Means 1925 Geneva Protocol on Gas Warfare 1980 UN Weapons Convention o Protocol I non-detectable fragment o Protocol II- Mines, Booby traps o Protocol III- Incendiary Weapons o Protocol IV- Blinding Laser Weapons o 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention (Paris Convention) 1997 Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines 2008 Cluster Munitions Convention Methods of warfare Perfidy (GCAP I 1977, Art. 37 (1) (c)) o Ex. Flag of truce or use of sign/emblem o Ruses of war are lawful. Quarter (Hague Regulation 23 (c)- (d) ) o Hors de combat o Laid down arms Starvation of Civilians (GCAP I 1977, Art 54) + (GCAP I 1977, Art. 14) Improper use of uniforms Occupants of an aircraft in distress Protect : Persons () Property

1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural property in Armed Conflicts (+ 1999 protocol)

Environment () That are or may be affected by the armed conflict.

The main sources of IHL are: 1. Treaties 2. Customs 3. General principles of IHL.