Explainer
Drones in War: Are Armed Drones Legal?
Armed drones are not generally prohibited as a category. Their use is governed by the same core IHL rules that apply to other weapons,…
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Explainers
Plain-language background to help readers understand concepts, institutions, terms and methods used in conflict reporting.
Explainer
Is White Phosphorus Banned? What International Law Actually Says
White phosphorus is not universally banned as a substance, but its use is constrained by international humanitarian law and, in some contexts, rules on…
Explainer
Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas: Why Cities Face Such High Risk
Artillery, rockets, mortars, large bombs and missiles can cause wide-area blast and fragmentation effects that are especially dangerous in populated areas.
Explainer
Chemical Weapons Explained: What the Chemical Weapons Convention Bans
The Chemical Weapons Convention uses a broad purpose-based definition: toxic chemicals used to cause harm through their toxic properties can qualify as chemical weapons.
Explainer
Landmines and the Ottawa Treaty: What Is Banned?
The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibits anti-personnel mines for States Parties and requires stockpile destruction, clearance and victim assistance.
Explainer
Cluster Munitions Explained: Why They Are Banned by Many Countries
Cluster munitions scatter multiple explosive submunitions over an area and can leave dangerous unexploded remnants. A 2008 treaty prohibits them for States Parties.
Explainer
Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: What the Term Covers
Conflict-related sexual violence includes rape and other grave sexual violence linked directly or indirectly to conflict. It affects women, men, girls and boys.
Explainer
Child Soldiers: What the Term Means and What International Law Prohibits
Children can be recruited and used by armed forces or armed groups in many roles, not only as fighters. International law provides layered protections.
Explainer
What Does ‘Famine’ Mean? The IPC Phase 5 Thresholds Explained
Famine is not simply a synonym for severe hunger. The IPC uses specific thresholds for food deprivation, acute malnutrition and mortality.
Explainer
Humanitarian Access in War: What the Law Says
Humanitarian access is more than opening a border crossing. It involves consent, rapid and unimpeded passage, security, impartial relief and the parties’ duty to…