Humanitarian Law
Summary: Legal framework protecting persons affected by armed conflict; synonymous with international humanitarian law. Tags: concepts law humanitarian conflict Created: 2026-05-03T00:00:00Z Last Updated: 2026-05-03T00:00:00Z
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Humanitarian law (also known as international humanitarian law or IHL) is the body of law that regulates the conduct of armed conflict. Its primary purpose is to limit suffering by protecting civilians, medical personnel, aid workers, and those no longer participating in hostilities.
Core principles include distinction (between combatants and civilians), proportionality (avoiding excessive harm), and precaution. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are the primary legal instruments.
Humanitarian law applies in both international and non-international armed conflicts.