The Crisis in Ukraine: Application of International Humanitarian Law

International Laws Involved: Geneva Conventions, Customary International Humanitarian Law

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has raised serious concerns regarding the application of international humanitarian law (IHL). The Geneva Conventions, which protect those who are not participating in hostilities, have come under scrutiny as reports of civilian casualties and attacks on non-military targets have surfaced. IHL mandates that parties to a conflict should distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. Violations of these principles could amount to war crimes, and accountability mechanisms are being discussed under the auspices of the International Criminal Court (ICC).