Civilian Protection
The rules protecting civilians from the effects of hostilities, including precautionary obligations.
General Protection of Civilians
Civilians are entitled to general protection from the dangers arising from military operations. They may not be the object of attack. Acts or threats of violence whose primary purpose is to spread terror among the civilian population are prohibited. Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is prohibited. These rules apply in both international and non-international armed conflicts.
The protection extends to civilian objects: buildings, infrastructure, and property that are not military objectives. Schools, hospitals, cultural sites, and objects necessary for civilian survival (food, water, agricultural areas) receive special protection. Attacking these objects is a war crime unless they are being used for military purposes and have lost their protected status.
