International Humanitarian Law

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, principles, dates, and organizations related to International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

A historic document proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 10 December 1948.

Geneva Convention of 1949

A convention held on 12 August 1949 to establish humanitarian protections in war, to which the Philippines became a member state and party in 1952.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

A set of rules that protects civilians, medical and religious personnel, wounded combatants, and prisoners of war (POW), provides detailed rules for food, shelter, and legal guarantees to war victims, and restricts means and warfare tactics in combat.

Law of Geneva

A branch of International Humanitarian Law that aims specifically to safeguard military personnel who are hors de combat.

Law of Hague

A branch of International Humanitarian Law that determines the rights and duties of belligerents in the conduct of operations and limits the means of harming an enemy.

Hors de Combat

A status referring to individuals who are out of the fight, such as those who surrender or are sick or wounded; it is forbidden to kill or injure them, and they must be treated humanely.

Prohibited Methods of Warfare

Means and methods of warfare that fail to discriminate between fighters and civilians, cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering, or cause severe or long-term damage to the environment.

Chemical Warfare

A prohibited method of warfare cited as an example of a weapon causing superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering.

Nuclear Weapons

A prohibited method of warfare cited as an example of a weapon causing severe or long-term damage to the environment.

Red Cross Emblem

The recognized symbol of protection for medical personnel, medical establishments, transports, and equipment in armed conflict that must be respected.

Principle of Distinction

The fundamental rule requiring parties to an armed conflict to at all times distinguish between the civilian population and combatants in order to spare civilian persons and property.

Military Objectives

The sole lawful targets against which attacks may be directed in armed conflict.

Prohibited Acts Against Non-Combatants

Forbidden acts against persons not taking part in hostilities, including murder, torture, mutilation, collective punishments, hostage taking, terrorism, outrages upon personal dignity, rape, enforced prostitution, and slavery.

United Nations (UN)

An international organization composed of member states who uphold freedom, justice, and peace in the world.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

A neutral body and independent humanitarian institution founded in 1863 that provides assistance and care for war victims.