Q1. Protection of Civilian Population
- International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is the primary legal framework protecting civilians in armed conflict.
- Core IHL principles are Distinction, Proportionality, and Precaution to minimize civilian harm.
- Civilians and civilian objects must not be targeted; indiscriminate attacks are war crimes.
- The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) obliges states to protect populations from mass atrocities.
Answer: The protection of civilian populations in times of armed conflict is a cornerstone of international humanitarian law (IHL) and a fundamental ethical imperative. It encompasses a complex set of legal rules, principles, and practical measures designed to safeguard individuals who are not participating, or have ceased to participate, in hostilities from the effects of war. This protection aims to mitigate human suffering, preserve human dignity, and uphold the basic rights of civilians during peri...