Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate Course in Humanitarian Law, Ethics, and Human Rights course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict #
Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict
The Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict (PoC) refers to the legal and mora… #
This principle is a cornerstone of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and aims to minimize the impact of armed conflict on non-combatants. PoC encompasses various measures and mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of civilians, including humanitarian assistance, respect for human rights, and accountability for violations.
- International Humanitarian Law (IHL): The body of laws that seek to regulate t… #
- International Humanitarian Law (IHL): The body of laws that seek to regulate the conduct of armed conflict and protect those who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities.
- Human Rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitle… #
- Human Rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or any other status.
- Armed Conflict: A situation of protracted violence between organized armed gro… #
- Armed Conflict: A situation of protracted violence between organized armed groups or between a state and a non-state actor, resulting in casualties and destruction.
Explanation #
The Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict is a critical aspect of humanitari… #
Parties to a conflict, including states, armed groups, and international organizations, have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect civilians from harm, provide them with necessary assistance, and respect their rights under IHL and human rights law.
PoC encompasses a range of activities and measures, such as ensuring access to h… #
Humanitarian organizations, peacekeeping missions, and other actors play a crucial role in implementing PoC strategies on the ground and advocating for the rights of civilians in conflict-affected areas.
Challenges may arise in the effective implementation of PoC, including the reluc… #
Despite these challenges, the principle of PoC remains essential for upholding the dignity and rights of civilians caught in the midst of armed conflict.
Overall, the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict is a core tenet of humani… #
By adhering to PoC principles and promoting respect for international law, stakeholders can work towards mitigating the impact of armed conflict on vulnerable populations and fostering a more just and humane world.