PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS UNDER INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW: TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The concept of protection of civilians is founded on the universally accepted rules of international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law. This research critically examines protection of civilians under international humanitarian law: trends and challenges. IHL is a set of international laws, which is established by treaties or custom, and are specifically intended to solve humanitarian problems arising from armed conflict. The research discusses how IHL provides for the protection of civilians in armed conflict situation, and the challenges faced in ensuring adequate protection of civilians in times of armed conflict in accordance with IHL. It can be said that significant progress has no doubt been made and it is hoped that further innovative measures to alleviate the suffering of civilians will be proposed in the future conferences. However, various trends and challenges still exist, which need to be addressed, and compliance with the law needs to be strengthened, in order to win this battle against the victimization of civilians during armed conflict. There is still much to be done in providing adequate protection of civilians during armed conflict. The research work recommends that states should enlighten the general public particularly the youths in peacetime as well as during conflict on the significance of the rules of IHL. IHL should be incorporated into military manuals and operational orders and directives and establish internal investigative and disciplinary mechanisms.

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urn:uuid:7467d913-cf05-48f7-ae51-7e6ce7d7739d