Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

The body of law regulating the conduct of parties during armed conflict, focusing on protection of persons and restrictions on means of warfare.

An act by a state or non-state actor that constitutes participation in armed conflict, triggering the application of international humanitarian law.

A situation of sustained combat between two or more organized armed groups, triggering the application of international humanitarian law.

A conflict occurring within a state between governmental forces and non-state armed groups, regulated by international humanitarian law provisions specific to internal conflicts.

An organized group not affiliated with any government that engages in armed conflict or violence.

Weapons that can select and engage targets without human intervention, raising legal and ethical questions under international humanitarian law.

A provision in the Geneva Conventions establishing the International Committee of the Red Cross's right to monitor the treatment of prisoners of war and detainees.

A principle allowing interception of neutral ships carrying contraband if the voyage is part of a continuous journey to an enemy state during armed conflict.

Rules derived from general practice accepted as law that regulate conduct during armed conflicts.

A comprehensive collection of rules derived from state practice and opinio juris that govern conduct during armed conflicts, recognized as binding even without treaty ratification.

A criterion to attribute conduct to a state based on its effective control over non-state actors during armed conflict.

Treaty agreements supplementing the original Geneva Conventions to expand protections in armed conflicts, including non-international conflicts.

An article obligating all parties to international armed conflicts to respect and ensure respect for the Geneva Conventions in all circumstances.

A provision establishing minimum humanitarian protections in non-international armed conflicts.

The agreement by a state allowing foreign armed forces or peacekeepers to operate within its territory.

The unlawful seizing or detaining of individuals to compel actions from others during armed conflict, prohibited under international humanitarian law. It constitutes a serious violation subject to prosecution.

An independent body established under the Geneva Conventions to investigate violations of international humanitarian law.

The lawful detention of enemy fighters during armed conflict without criminal charges under international humanitarian law.

A set of rules regulating the conduct of hostilities and the protection of persons during armed conflicts.

Rules governing the rights and duties of states that remain neutral during armed conflicts between other states.

A principle in international humanitarian law that requires parties to a conflict to take all feasible precautions to avoid or minimize incidental harm to civilians and civilian objects.

A provision in humanitarian law emphasizing protection based on principles of humanity and public conscience when no specific treaty rule applies.

An armed conflict occurring within a state between government forces and non-state armed groups, governed by specific IHL rules.

Weapons banned under international law due to their indiscriminate effects or unnecessary suffering, such as chemical and biological weapons.

The principle that military actions must avoid excessive force in relation to the anticipated military advantage.

A legal principle requiring that measures taken in armed conflict or law enforcement are necessary and not excessive relative to the desired objective.

Serious violations of the laws and customs applicable in armed conflict, including targeting civilians and mistreatment of prisoners.

Zero tolerance policy in international humanitarian law mandates strict prohibition and punishment of grave breaches such as torture or targeting civilians.