IHL Advisory Service

Start /
Resources /
International humanitarian law

International humanitarian law

Rules of international humanitarian law (IHL) try to regulate armed conflict to minimise human suffering. Learn more what IHL is and how it works.

Introduction to IHL

Basic principles of IHL

Soldiers patrolling a crowded street in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: MONUSCO/Sylvain Liechti

When does IHL apply?

Understanding international humanitarian law

Sources of international humanitarian law

Soldiers patrolling a crowded street in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: MONUSCO/Sylvain Liechti

When does IHL apply?

A peacekeeper stands guard as a group of women passes.

Who is protected by IHL?

The building of the International Criminal Court.

Enforcement of IHL

General principles of IHL

Soldiers with a blue helmet in a military vehicle.

Conduct of hostilities: general principles

The principle of distinction

Soldiers patrolling a crowded street in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: MONUSCO/Sylvain Liechti

Protected persons under IHL

A group of children walk through the ruins of Idlib in Syria.

The principle of proportionality

A view from the sky of destroyed buildings in Aleppo, Syria.

The principle of precautions in attack

Specific IHL issues

A boy walking through a camp with tents.

Displacement and IHL

A car of a humanitarian organisation providing is driving through the dessert.

Humanitarian assistance and IHL

A group of people walking on the street in Eastern Congo.

Sexual violence and IHL

A peacekeeper stands guard as a group of women passes.

Women and girls in IHL

A high concrete wall runs over hills, with houses next to it.

Occupation and IHL

Medial personnel examine a woman in an ambulance car.

Protection of the wounded and sick

A soldier inside a military vehicle.

Weapons and IHL

A person pressed down to the street by a security officer.

Detention and IHL

A religious building with towers.

Cultural heritage and IHL

A field with plants in the dessert in Afghanistan, seen from above.

Environment, natural resources, and IHL