Chapter 7. From Solferino To Kosovo: The Contribution Of International Humanitarian Law To International Security
In: International Humanitarian Law: OriginsSearch for other papers by Michel Veuthey in
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Abstract
International humanitarian law (IHL) and international security are closely related. IHL limits conflicts, facilitates peaceful settlements and avoids recurrence of armed conflict. With today's means of destruction, such restraints to violence could bring a vital contribution to international security. Massive violations of international humanitarian law were invoked for military intervention by the United Nations in Somalia and by NATO in Kosovo. IHL guarantees the survival of captured combatants and civilians, care for wounded, and, more generally, minimum standards of security in three crucial areas: water, food, and health. What is urgently needed today is a better understanding of existing humanitarian rules and principles, an acute awareness of the urgent need to abide by them, so that they will be readily understood, promoted, implemented and, whenever necessary, vigorously enforced, first by legal, political, and, if needed, military means.