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Methods and means of warfare

International law limits the methods and means used to wage war. These restrictions apply to the type of weapons used, the way they are used and the general conduct of all those engaged in the armed conflict. The principle of distinction requires that Parties to an armed conflict distinguish at all times between combatants and military objectives on the one hand, and civilian persons and objects on the other, and accordingly attack only legitimate targets.  Read full overview

Highlights

Treaty Law

Customary law

Reference documents

Analysis

  • Reviewing the legality of new weapons, means and methods of warfare

    Parties to an armed conflict are limited in their choice of weapons, means and methods of warfare by the rules of international humanitarian law (IHL) governing the conduct of hostilities. This article goes back to the relevant rules.

    31-12-2006 | International Review of the Red Cross | Kathleen Lawand

International Review of the Red Cross More articles

Special issue of the Review

Publications More publications

  • The International Review of the Red Cross: French selection 2006

    This issue is a collection of articles drown from the four special issues of the year 2006 whose themes included: methods of warfare, private military companies, truth and reconciliation commissions, international criminal tribunals. The articles were selected based on their quality and originality.

  • The International Review of the Red Cross: French selection 2005

    This issue is targeted to our francophone readers. It is a collection of articles taken out of the four yearly issues of 2005 (dealing with the themes of detention, religion, means of warfare, and communication). The selection of the articles was based on their quality and originality.


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