The role of international humanitarian law in protecting civilians during armed conflicts
الملخص
The protection of civilians has remained a central concern for the international community since the conclusion of World War II. This study examines the key legal principles and norms established to protect civilians during armed conflicts, emphasizing their binding nature for all parties involved. Violations of these rules are considered war crimes and invoke international criminal responsibility.
This research aims to highlight the legal significance and practical application of international humanitarian law (IHL) in minimizing harm to civilians during times of war. It particularly focuses on the protections enshrined in the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention and the 1977 Additional Protocol I. The study evaluates the mechanisms established for the implementation of these protections and examines the extent of the international community’s commitment to upholding them. It also identifies critical gaps in the current legal framework.
Findings show that armed groups operating beyond state control—such as ISIS in countries like Sudan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and Syria—have systematically violated IHL, committing widespread atrocities against civilians. Furthermore, some provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention still fall short of offering full protection in the context of contemporary armed conflicts.
The study recommends reviewing and updating current treaties and introducing new legal measures to enhance the protection of civilians and civilian objects in both international and non-international armed conflicts. It also calls for robust international judicial action to hold violators accountable and to reinforce the effectiveness of IHL.
كيفية الاقتباس
