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Human Shields and the Laws of War
What “human shields” means in international humanitarian law—and why the unlawful use of shields does not remove an attacker’s obligations toward civilians.
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Topic: International criminal law
Explainer
Prisoners of War: Who Qualifies and What Protections Apply?
POW status carries a detailed protection regime under the Third Geneva Convention. Here is who may qualify and what detention rules apply.
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Can Hospitals Be Attacked in War? What the Law Says
Hospitals and medical units receive specific protection under international humanitarian law. That protection is strong, but the legal rules include narrow exceptions.
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Sieges, Blockades and Starvation: What International Law Says
Sieges and blockades are not governed by a single simple rule. The key questions include starvation, civilian protection, humanitarian relief and the conduct of…
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What Is a Military Objective? Civilian Objects and ‘Dual-Use’ Infrastructure
How the laws of war distinguish civilian objects from military objectives—and why “dual-use” is a description, not an automatic legal category.
Explainer
What Does Proportionality Mean in the Laws of War?
Proportionality does not mean matching force with equal force. It is a rule about expected incidental civilian harm in attacks on military objectives.
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International Humanitarian Law: The Basic Ideas
A practical introduction to the laws of war: who is protected, what may be targeted, and why distinction, proportionality and precautions matter.