Introduction

This book provides a modern and basic introduction to a branch of international law constantly gaining in importance in international life, namely international humanitarian law (the law of armed conflict). It is constructed in a way suitable for self-study.

The subject-matters are discussed in self-contained chapters, allowing each to be studied independently of the others. Among the subject-matters discussed are, inter alia:

• the Relationship between jus ad bellum / jus in bello
• Historical Evolution of IHL
• Basic Principles and Sources of IHL
• Martens Clause
• International and Non-International Armed Conflicts
• Material, Spatial, Personal and Temporal Scope of Application of IHL
• Special Agreements under IHL
• Role of the ICRC
• Targeting
• Objects Specifically Protected against Attack
• Prohibited Weapons
• Perfidy
• Reprisals
• Assistance of the Wounded and Sick
• Definition of Combatants
• Protection of Prisoners of War
• Protection of Civilians
• Occupied Territories
• Protective Emblems
• Sea Warfare
• Neutrality
• Implementation of IHL