International Humanitarian Law
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Compliance in Humanitarian Organizations course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Accountability refers to the obligation of individuals and organizations to acco… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, accountability is crucial in ensuring that humanitarian organizations and their personnel are held responsible for any violations of humanitarian law or human rights law. Related terms include compliance, due diligence, and monitoring. For example, humanitarian organizations have a responsibility to investigate and report any allegations of misconduct or violations of humanitarian law, and to take corrective action to prevent future violations.
Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian organization that works to combat… #
Related terms include humanitarian assistance, food security, and nutrition. For instance, Action Against Hunger provides emergency food assistance to affected populations, and works to support sustainable livelihoods and nutrition programs.
Ad hoc tribunals refer to special courts established to try specific cases or ca… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, ad hoc tribunals have been established to prosecute individuals responsible for serious violations of humanitarian law, such as the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Tribunal for Rwanda. Related terms include international criminal law, prosecution, and judicial accountability. For example, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia has prosecuted numerous individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Aerial bombardment refers to the use of aircraft to drop bombs or other explosiv… #
Related terms include conduct of hostilities, precautions in attack, and civilian protection. For instance, aerial bombardment must be directed against military targets, and must not cause incidental loss of civilian life or damage to civilian objects that is excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage.
Armed conflict refers to a situation of violence between two or more parties, in… #
Related terms include international armed conflict, non-international armed conflict, and armed group. For example, humanitarian organizations must navigate the complexities of armed conflict to deliver humanitarian assistance to affected populations.
Attack refers to an act of violence against a person or object, this concept is… #
For instance, an attack must be directed against a military target, and must not cause incidental loss of civilian life or damage to civilian objects that is excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage.
Belligerent occupation refers to a situation in which a state or non #
state actor exercises control over a territory that is not its own, this concept is subject to the law of occupation under International Humanitarian Law. Related terms include occupying power, occupied territory, and protected persons. For example, an occupying power has a responsibility to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the occupied territory, and to ensure the welfare and safety of the civilian population.
Capacity building refers to the process of strengthening the ability of individu… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, capacity building is crucial in ensuring that humanitarian organizations and local communities have the necessary skills and resources to respond to humanitarian crises. Related terms include training, technical assistance, and institutional strengthening. For instance, humanitarian organizations may provide training and technical assistance to local communities to enhance their ability to respond to natural disasters.
Cessation of hostilities refers to a situation in which the parties to an armed… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, cessation of hostilities is crucial in creating an environment conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilians. Related terms include humanitarian pause, temporary ceasefire, and permanent ceasefire. For example, a cessation of hostilities may be negotiated between the parties to an armed conflict to allow for the evacuation of civilians or the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Civil defense refers to the measures taken to protect civilians from the effects… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, civil defense is crucial in reducing the impact of armed conflict on civilians and ensuring their safety and well-being. Related terms include shelters, evacuation, and emergency response. For instance, civil defense measures may include the establishment of shelters, the evacuation of civilians from affected areas, and the provision of emergency assistance.
Civilian object refers to any object that is not a military objective, this conc… #
Related terms include military objective, civilian protection, and protection of civilian objects. For example, civilian objects such as hospitals, schools, and cultural property are protected from attack under International Humanitarian Law.
Cluster munition refers to a type of weapon that disperses multiple explosive su… #
Related terms include explosive remnants of war, unexploded ordnance, and mine action. For instance, cluster munitions are prohibited under the Convention on Cluster Munitions due to their indiscriminate effects on civilians.
Command responsibility refers to the responsibility of commanders for the action… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, command responsibility is crucial in ensuring that commanders are held accountable for any violations of humanitarian law committed by their subordinates. Related terms include superior responsibility, criminal responsibility, and prosecution. For example, commanders may be held criminally responsible for failing to prevent or punish violations of humanitarian law committed by their subordinates.
Conduct of hostilities refers to the way in which parties to an armed conflict c… #
Related terms include attack, precautions in attack, and civilian protection. For instance, parties to an armed conflict must take all feasible precautions to verify that targets are military objectives, and to avoid or minimize incidental loss of civilian life or damage to civilian objects.
Cultural property refers to movable or immovable property of great importance to… #
Related terms include cultural heritage, historic monuments, and works of art. For example, cultural property such as museums, libraries, and historic monuments are protected from attack or destruction under International Humanitarian Law.
Customary international humanitarian law refers to the body of rules that are de… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, customary international humanitarian law is crucial in filling gaps in the law and providing guidance on emerging issues. Related terms include treaty law, general principles, and judicial decisions. For instance, customary international humanitarian law may provide guidance on issues such as the protection of civilians in armed conflict or the use of new technologies in warfare.
Detention refers to the act of holding a person in custody, this concept is clos… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, detention is subject to the principles of humanity and respect for human dignity. Related terms include internment, prisoner of war, and detainee. For example, detainees must be treated humanely and with respect for their dignity, and must not be subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
Displaced person refers to a person who has been forced to leave their home due… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, displaced persons are entitled to protection and assistance. Related terms include forced migration, humanitarian assistance, and reintegration. For instance, displaced persons may be entitled to emergency assistance, such as food, shelter, and medical care, and may require support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
Distinction refers to the principle that parties to an armed conflict must disti… #
Related terms include proportionality, precautions in attack, and civilian protection. For example, parties to an armed conflict must take all feasible precautions to verify that targets are military objectives, and to avoid or minimize incidental loss of civilian life or damage to civilian objects.
Enemy combatant refers to a person who is engaged in hostilities against a state… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, enemy combatants are entitled to protection and treatment in accordance with the Third Geneva Convention. Related terms include belligerent, fighter, and insurgent. For instance, enemy combatants who are captured must be treated humanely and with respect for their dignity, and must not be subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
Environmental protection refers to the measures taken to protect the environment… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, environmental protection is crucial in reducing the impact of armed conflict on the environment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of ecosystems. Related terms include pollution, destruction of the environment, and conservation. For example, parties to an armed conflict must take all feasible precautions to avoid or minimize damage to the environment, and must not use methods or means of warfare that are intended to cause widespread, long-term, and severe damage to the environment.
Explosive remnants of war refer to unexploded or abandoned explosive devices tha… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, explosive remnants of war pose a significant threat to civilians and must be cleared or destroyed to prevent harm. Related terms include landmine, unexploded ordnance, and demining. For instance, humanitarian organizations may engage in demining activities to clear explosive remnants of war and prevent harm to civilians.
Food security refers to the availability of nutritious food to meet the dietary… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, food security is crucial in ensuring the welfare and dignity of affected populations. Related terms include food aid, agricultural assistance, and sustainable livelihoods. For example, humanitarian organizations may provide food assistance to affected populations, and may support sustainable livelihoods and nutrition programs to promote food security.
Forced labor refers to a situation in which a person is coerced or deceived into… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, forced labor is prohibited and parties to an armed conflict must not engage in practices that amount to forced labor. Related terms include compulsory labor, involuntary servitude, and exploitation. For instance, parties to an armed conflict must not force civilians to perform work that is of a military character, and must not engage in practices that amount to forced labor or exploitation.
Geneva Conventions refer to a set of four treaties that establish the principles… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, the Geneva Conventions provide a framework for the protection of civilians and the conduct of hostilities. Related terms include Additional Protocols, treaty law, and customary international humanitarian law. For example, the Geneva Conventions establish the principle of distinction between military targets and civilians, and provide rules for the conduct of hostilities and the protection of civilians.
Genocide refers to the intentional destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, genocide is prohibited and parties to an armed conflict must not engage in practices that amount to genocide. Related terms include mass killing, extermination, and destruction. For instance, genocide is a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law and is punishable under international criminal law.
Human rights refer to the fundamental rights and freedoms that are inherent to a… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, human rights are crucial in ensuring the dignity and well-being of affected populations. Related terms include civil and political rights, economic, social, and cultural rights, and human dignity. For example, humanitarian organizations must respect and promote human rights in their operations, and must not engage in practices that violate human rights.
Humanitarian assistance refers to the provision of aid to affected populations i… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, humanitarian assistance is crucial in ensuring the welfare and dignity of affected populations. Related terms include relief, rehabilitation, and development. For instance, humanitarian organizations may provide emergency assistance, such as food, shelter, and medical care, and may support sustainable livelihoods and nutrition programs to promote long-term recovery and development.
Humanitarian law refers to the body of rules that regulate the conduct of hostil… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, humanitarian law provides a framework for the protection of civilians and the conduct of hostilities. Related terms include law of war, law of armed conflict, and international humanitarian law. For example, humanitarian law establishes the principle of distinction between military targets and civilians, and provides rules for the conduct of hostilities and the protection of civilians.
Internally displaced person refers to a person who has been forced to leave thei… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, internally displaced persons are entitled to protection and assistance. For instance, internally displaced persons may be entitled to emergency assistance, such as food, shelter, and medical care, and may require support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
International armed conflict refers to a situation of armed conflict between two… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, international armed conflict is subject to the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols. Related terms include state, armed forces, and belligerent. For example, international armed conflict is subject to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, and parties to the conflict must respect the rules of International Humanitarian Law.
International Committee of the Red Cross refers to a humanitarian organization t… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, the International Committee of the Red Cross plays a crucial role in promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law and providing humanitarian assistance to affected populations. Related terms include Red Cross, Red Crescent, and humanitarian organization. For instance, the International Committee of the Red Cross provides emergency assistance, such as food, shelter, and medical care, and works to promote respect for International Humanitarian Law and protect civilians in armed conflict.
International criminal law refers to the body of rules that regulate the prosecu… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, international criminal law provides a framework for the prosecution of international crimes and ensures accountability for serious violations of International Humanitarian Law. Related terms include war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. For example, international criminal law provides for the prosecution of individuals responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, and ensures that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
International humanitarian law refers to the body of rules that regulate the con… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, international humanitarian law provides a framework for the protection of civilians and the conduct of hostilities. Related terms include law of war, law of armed conflict, and humanitarian law. For example, international humanitarian law establishes the principle of distinction between military targets and civilians, and provides rules for the conduct of hostilities and the protection of civilians.
Internment refers to the act of holding a person in custody, this concept is clo… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, internment is subject to the principles of humanity and respect for human dignity. Related terms include prisoner of war, detainee, and internee. For instance, internees must be treated humanely and with respect for their dignity, and must not be subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
Landmine refers to a type of explosive device that is designed to be detonated b… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, landmines are subject to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines. Related terms include anti-personnel mine, unexploded ordnance, and demining. For example, landmines are prohibited under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines due to their indiscriminate effects on civilians.
Law of armed conflict refers to the body of rules that regulate the conduct of h… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, the law of armed conflict provides a framework for the protection of civilians and the conduct of hostilities. Related terms include law of war, international humanitarian law, and humanitarian law. For example, the law of armed conflict establishes the principle of distinction between military targets and civilians, and provides rules for the conduct of hostilities and the protection of civilians.
Law of occupation refers to the body of rules that regulate the conduct of occup… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, the law of occupation provides a framework for the protection of civilians and the conduct of occupying powers. For instance, occupying powers have a responsibility to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the occupied territory, and to ensure the welfare and safety of the civilian population.
Military objective refers to a target that offers a significant military advanta… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, military objectives are subject to the principles of distinction and proportionality. Related terms include military advantage, target, and attack. For example, military objectives must be distinguished from civilian objects, and attacks on military objectives must not cause incidental loss of civilian life or damage to civilian objects that is excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage.
Mine action refers to the efforts to reduce the impact of landmines and other ex… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, mine action is crucial in reducing the impact of landmines and other explosive remnants of war on civilians. For instance, mine action activities may include demining, mine risk education, and advocacy for the prohibition of landmines.
Non #
international armed conflict refers to a situation of armed conflict between a state and a non-state actor, or between non-state actors, this concept is closely related to international armed conflict and armed conflict. In the context of International Humanitarian Law, non-international armed conflict is subject to the Common Article 3 and Additional Protocol II. Related terms include non-state actor, armed group, and insurgent. For example, non-international armed conflict is subject to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, and parties to the conflict must respect the rules of International Humanitarian Law.
Occupied territory refers to a territory that is under the control of an occupyi… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, occupied territory is subject to the Fourth Geneva Convention and Hague Regulations. Related terms include occupying power, protected persons, and occupation.
Occupying power refers to a state or non #
state actor that exercises control over a territory that is not its own, this concept is closely related to law of occupation and occupied territory. In the context of International Humanitarian Law, occupying powers have a responsibility to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the occupied territory, and to ensure the welfare and safety of the civilian population. Related terms include occupied territory, protected persons, and occupation. For example, occupying powers must respect the laws and institutions of the occupied territory, and must not impose their own laws or institutions on the occupied territory.
Peacekeeping refers to the activities of United Nations or other international f… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, peacekeeping is crucial in maintaining peace and security in regions affected by armed conflict. Related terms include peace enforcement, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance. For instance, peacekeeping forces may be authorized to use force to protect civilians and maintain peace and security in a region.
Prisoner of war refers to a person who is captured by an enemy power during an a… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, prisoners of war are entitled to protection and treatment in accordance with the Third Geneva Convention. Related terms include detainee, internee, and captivity. For example, prisoners of war must be treated humanely and with respect for their dignity, and must not be subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
Proportionality refers to the principle that the effects of an attack on a milit… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, proportionality is a fundamental principle that regulates the conduct of hostilities. Related terms include military advantage, attack, and civilian protection. For instance, attacks on military objectives must not cause incidental loss of civilian life or damage to civilian objects that is excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage.
Protected persons refer to individuals who are entitled to protection under Inte… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, protected persons are entitled to protection and treatment in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention. Related terms include civilians, prisoners of war, and detainees. For example, protected persons must be treated humanely and with respect for their dignity, and must not be subjected to torture or other forms of ill-treatment.
Protection refers to the measures taken to safeguard the welfare and dignity of… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, protection is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of affected populations. Related terms include safety, security, and welfare. For instance, humanitarian organizations may provide protection to affected populations through the provision of emergency assistance, such as food, shelter, and medical care.
Refugee refers to a person who has been forced to leave their country due to per… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, refugees are entitled to protection and assistance. Related terms include asylum seeker, internally displaced person, and forced migrant. For example, refugees may be entitled to emergency assistance, such as food, shelter, and medical care, and may require support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.
Relief refers to the provision of assistance to affected populations in times of… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, relief is crucial in ensuring the welfare and dignity of affected populations. Related terms include humanitarian assistance, rehabilitation, and development. For instance, humanitarian organizations may provide relief to affected populations through the provision of emergency assistance, such as food, shelter, and medical care.
Reparation refers to the measures taken to provide compensation or restitution t… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, reparation is crucial in ensuring that individuals and communities receive compensation or restitution for harm suffered. Related terms include compensation, restitution, and rehabilitation. For example, reparation may include the provision of financial compensation, restitution of property, or rehabilitation of affected communities.
Sanctions refer to the measures taken to enforce compliance with International H… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, sanctions may be imposed on individuals or states that violate International Humanitarian Law. Related terms include enforcement, compliance, and accountability. For instance, sanctions may include diplomatic isolation, economic sanctions, or other measures to enforce compliance with International Humanitarian Law.
Siege refers to a situation in which a party to an armed conflict surrounds and… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, sieges are subject to the principles of distinction and proportionality. Related terms include blockade, encirclement, and starvation. For example, sieges must not be used to starve civilians or cause them unnecessary suffering, and parties to the conflict must allow humanitarian assistance to reach affected populations.
State practice refers to the actions and decisions of states that contribute to… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, state practice is crucial in shaping the rules and principles of International Humanitarian Law. Related terms include customary international law, treaty law, and judicial decisions. For instance, state practice may provide guidance on emerging issues in International Humanitarian Law, such as the use of new technologies in warfare.
Torture refers to the act of inflicting severe physical or mental pain or suffer… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, torture is prohibited and parties to an armed conflict must not engage in practices that amount to torture. Related terms include cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, ill-treatment, and inhuman treatment. For example, torture is a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law and is punishable under international criminal law.
War crime refers to a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law, this… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, war crimes are subject to the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols. Related terms include crime against humanity, genocide, and international criminal law. For instance, war crimes include willful killing, torture, and taking hostages, and are punishable under international criminal law.
War zone refers to an area in which armed conflict is taking place, this concept… #
In the context of International Humanitarian Law, war zones are subject to the principles of distinction and proportionality. Related terms include battlefield, combat zone, and area of conflict. For example, war zones must be distinguished from civilian areas, and parties to the conflict must take all feasible precautions to avoid or minimize harm to civilians and civilian objects.