Since the beginning of time, people have used violence as a method to settle issues. Throughout history, the world has tried to reduce the brutality of war by inventing a set of regulations that the international community could agree upon to lessen the damage and suffering after a conflict ends.
These rules cover a multitude of aspects, which include the types of weapons being used, how civilians should be treated, who should be saved from being shot in a battle zone, etc. These rules, collectively known as International Humanitarian Law (IHL) or the laws of war, serve as a moral compass in humanity’s darkest hours.
The rules of war can be traced to the 4 Geneva Conventions. In 1864, the first Geneva Convention discussed matters relating to the treatment of wounded and sick soldiers on the battlefield, and following the aftermath of the Second World War guidelines for the treatment of civilians, prisoners of war, and the sick and wounded.
Apart from the Geneva Conventions, several other conventions have been put into place which cover a wide range of topics, including the prohibition of torture, indiscriminate attacks, and the use of weapons that cause excessive harm or unnecessary suffering. Take the Hague Conference, for instance, that conference prohibited the use of chemical and biological weapons, as well as the intentional targeting of civilian populations. The development and use of weapons that cause unnecessary suffering or have indiscriminate effects are also restricted.
Despite the fact that these international agreements and conventions offer a foundation for moral behavior during armed conflict, difficulties nevertheless exist. There are still laws that are broken, from using prohibited weapons to attacking civilians on purpose. The principles of warfare offer an essential basis for reducing suffering and preserving some sort of order during emergencies, even while the world society continues to struggle with the problems caused by armed conflict. Following these guidelines helps to create a more equitable and stable world while also preserving human values.