Dear PAO,

Do we have a law governing international armed conflicts? The reason for this question is the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. As can be seen in some social media platforms, it appears that there are a handful of direct attacks and bombings that appear indiscriminate and incapable of distinguishing a civilian from the military. As such, I wish to be informed if there is any law sanctioning these barbaric acts?

JB

Dear JB,

The answer to your question is yes and the basis for such finds support in the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the latter's related Protocols. These Convention and Protocols later developed as International Customary Laws and formed part of our Public International Law. This international law governing armed conflicts (previously referred to as the Laws of War) is currently termed as the International Humanitarian Law or IHL.