Understanding International Humanitarian Law: The Laws Governing Armed Conflict | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This video provides an overview of international humanitarian law and its two distinct frameworks: Use ad Bellum (law of going to war) and Use in Bello (law in war).

Key Insights

• 🫠 Use ad Bellum covers the legal justifications for resorting to armed force, such as self-defense and humanitarian intervention.
• ⤴️ The United Nations Charter establishes the fundamental rules for Use ad Bellum, including the prohibition against the use of force and the recognition of the right to self-defense.
• 🥳 Use in Bello regulates the conduct of parties engaged in armed conflict, aiming to protect civilians and individuals not participating in hostilities.
• ⛔ The Geneva Conventions, along with additional protocols, provide a comprehensive legal framework to protect vulnerable populations and limit the impact of armed conflict.
• 🌍 Accountability mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court and national courts, play a crucial role in holding individuals responsible for violations of international humanitarian law.
• ✌️ Accountability acts as a deterrent, provides justice for victims, upholds the rule of law, and contributes to reconciliation and sustainable peace.
• 🌍 Changes in the international order, emerging technologies, and evolving norms challenge the contemporary legal system of international humanitarian law.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What is Use ad Bellum?

Use ad Bellum refers to the principles and rules governing the justification and legality of resorting to the use of armed force by a state. It covers issues such as self-defense, collective security, and humanitarian intervention.

Q: What is Use in Bello?

Use in Bello, also known as the law in war or International Humanitarian Law, regulates the conduct of parties involved in armed conflicts. Its main goals are to minimize harm to civilians and protect individuals not participating in hostilities.

Q: What are the key principles of Use ad Bellum?

The key principles include the sovereign equality of states, prohibition against the use of aggression, the right to self-defense, and the role of the Security Council in authorizing the use of force.

Q: What are the main provisions of the Geneva Conventions?

The Geneva Conventions establish standards of international humanitarian law in times of war. They address the treatment of wounded and sick combatants, the status of sick and captured enemy soldiers at sea, the treatment of prisoners of war, and the protection of civilians and non-combatants.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video explains Use ad Bellum, which addresses the legal justifications for the use of force in international relations, including self-defense, collective security, and humanitarian intervention.

• It also discusses Use in Bello, which regulates the conduct of parties involved in armed conflict to minimize harm to civilians and protect those who are not participating in hostilities.

• The Geneva Conventions and additional protocols are introduced as the main legal instruments governing the conduct of parties in armed conflicts.