International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
718 Articles

Sinking Iran’s Frigate IRIS Dena and the Law of Naval Warfare
Legal explainer concerning the location of the Iranian vessel, the attack itself, and the U.S. submarine's lack of attempted rescue.

The United Kingdom’s Use of Force Against Iran: Walking a Legal Tightrope?
An assessment of the United Kingdom's ability to maintain a legal line between defensive versus offensive operations against Iran.

Was Targeting Ayatollah Khamenei and Other Iranian Leaders Lawful? What Precedents Does It Set?
After Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei was killed in a U.S. and Israeli attack, a key question arises: when is striking a member of the enemy leadership lawful under the laws…

Top Questions the Trump Administration Needs to Answer on War with Iran
What Congress, journalists, and the public should ask the Trump administration about its war in Iran.

Aggression by the United States and Israel, Misdirected Self-Defense by Iran, and Collective Self-Defense of Gulf States
Analysis of the legality of U.S.-Israel actions against Iran, Iran’s response, and third-party states’ legal options and obligations under the UN Charter.

“Significantly Diminished”: Commenting Anew on Article 23 of Geneva Convention IV in a Transformed Legal Context
New Commentary on GC IV describes Article 23—the treaty’s key provision governing the duty to allow the passage of essentials to civilians—as "significantly diminished" today.

Closing Loopholes Across Time: the ICRC’s New Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention
The ICRC's updated Commentary on the Fourth Geneva Convention fills a loophole-closing function and reasserts international humanitarian law's core protective purpose.

Looking Forward: What Can Courts Do and When
Given international courts current role and relevant limitations in ending wars, how can courts play a more meaningful role in ending war, or in preventing a return to war?

Toward A Just and Lawful Peace in Ukraine: Part I
A review of what law and lawyers have contributed toward the goal of a just and lawful peace in Ukraine over the past four years.

Symposium: Is There a Role for International Courts in Ending Wars?
Judicial involvement in ongoing armed conflicts should be examined from multiple vantage points: courts, victims, parties to conflict, and broader goals of peace and security.

Courts in Wartime: A Level Playing Field for Peace
Although international courts have limits, they can do what few other peaceful dispute resolution mechanisms can when it comes to ending war.

Suspend Your Judgment? The Role of International Courts in Ending Wars
When international courts intervene in active wars, they must contend with how (and whether) they can contribute to ending wars and shape the post-war aftermath.