International Humanitarian Law Site

IHL mandates specific protections for those not involved in active fighting:

: 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. International humanitarian law

According to the American Red Cross , IHL is built upon four fundamental principles that guide decisions in the chaos of war: IHL mandates specific protections for those not involved

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

In the complex and often devastating world of modern conflict, serves as a vital safeguard for human dignity. Known colloquially as the "laws of war," IHL does not aim to stop war itself but rather to limit its humanitarian impact by regulating how hostilities are conducted. Core Principles: The Four Pillars