Do people follow rules in war?

Is everybody obliged to follow the rules of war? Yes, IHL is universal. The Geneva Conventions, which are central to IHL, have been ratified by 196 States. Very few international treaties have this level of support.

Do medics treat the enemy?

A wounded enemy soldier is treated as a POW, and under the Geneva convention must be treated the same as friendly forces, food, medical care, etc. Interestingly, the rule for civilian casualties is worse. It only requires that they receive medical care the same as the standards they normally have, absent a war.

Is it a war crime to wearing an enemy uniform?

It is prohibited to use the insignia or uniforms of the enemy while engaging in attacks or in order to shield, favour, protect or impede military operations. If captured out of uniform, soldiers are at risk of being treated as spies or unlawful combatants.

What are the rules of war?

The rules of war, also known as international humanitarian law: Protect those who are not fighting, such as civilians, medical personnel or aid workers. Protect those who are no longer able to fight, like an injured soldier or a prisoner.

Why are the rules of war important in international relations?

Upholding the rules Since then, the rules of war have been ratified by 196 states. They protect people who are not fighting in the conflict and curb the brutality of war by setting limits on the weapons and tactics that can be employed. In 2014, for example, the rules helped guarantee safe passage for civilians in South Sudan to flee violence.

What percentage of war deaths are caused by civilians?

At the beginning of the twentieth century only 10\%-15\% of those who died in war were civilians. In World War 2 more than 50\% of those who died were civilians. By the end of the century over 75\% of those killed in war were civilians. The general rule is that only those people fighting you are legitimate targets of attack.

What are the rights of civilians in war?

Civilians and militants who are no longer fighting in the conflict have a right to receive the help they need, whether it’s medical care, food, water or shelter. This means that restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid — through naval and air blockades, closing ports or confiscating supplies — is prohibited.