international humanitarian law

Bahrain's Defence Force intercepted multiple Iranian attacks using missiles and drones, accusing Iran of targeting civilians and private property. The statement condemned the attacks as a violation of international humanitarian law and urged residents to exercise caution.

An OSCE expert mission found that Russia's treatment of Ukrainian children may involve systematic indoctrination and militarization, potentially violating international humanitarian and human rights law. The report calls for enhanced accountability and child protection measures.

The article examines five recurring narratives criticizing international law, particularly its regulation of military force, using contexts like the Ukraine war, Gaza war, and Iran. It argues these narratives—such as international law being a facade for power politics or too dogmatic—are often flawed, reflecting tensions between power and universal norms.

The UN Secretary-General's annual report on protecting civilians in armed conflict highlights persistent violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) in regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Sudan, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Ukraine. The report underscores a growing gap between IHL principles and the realities of civilian harm, with patterns of infrastructure destruction and the law's instrumentalization to justify unlawful conduct.

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is drafting a General Comment on the application of the ICESCR during armed conflict. Legal scholars argue that the Covenant continues to apply in such contexts, with armed conflict affecting its territorial scope, operational rights, and interpretation alongside international humanitarian law.

The article discusses the forced transfer of children from Ukraine to Russia, highlighting violations of international humanitarian law and evidence of genocidal intent. It warns that normalizing such actions undermines global efforts to prevent and address these crimes.

The Trump administration's lethal strikes against alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean and Pacific, resulting in at least 193 deaths, are criticized as unlawful summary executions violating international law. The article highlights legal challenges to accountability, including potential crimes against humanity and domestic lawsuits under U.S. statutes like the Death on the High Seas Act and Alien Torts Claims Act.

Modern warfare in Ukraine has exposed the vulnerability of medical personnel who were historically protected under international law. The article argues that combat medics require tactical military training to survive in peer conflict environments where medical units are actively targeted by adversaries.

The UN warns that Israeli attacks on Lebanon may violate international law, while a report also indicates Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel could have breached international humanitarian law. Both parties are implicated in potential legal violations.

This Lawfare article analyzes the legal implications of the drone strike that killed Ayman Al-Zawahiri, examining whether the operation complied with international law and U.S. legal frameworks governing the use of force.