A video tutorial from author Gleider Hernández introducing the topics in chapter 15 of International Law
View the transcript here.
Key points for reflection:
- Given prevalence of armed conflicts throughout history, law of armed conflict (LOAC) emerged to manage such conflicts and the violence engendered by them
- As technology become more deadly, the use of law to restrict—but not prohibit—such violence became widespread. Hague Conventions, 1899-1914: sought to prohibit certain weapons
- Geneva Conventions, 1949-: sought to regulate conduct and protect certain categories of persons more extensively
- Scope of Application: characterising/classifying armed conflicts
- Actors in IHL: combatants, mercenaries, child soldiers
- Conduct of Hostilities: rules of engagement, military necessity, regulation of permissible weapons
- Protection of victims: wounded/sick, prisoners of war, civilians
- Conduct of hostilities: difficulties in classification, internationalisation, ‘mixed’ conflicts