International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

× Clear Filters
718 Articles
File photo of Iranian frigate IRIS Dena from 2021 commissioning. Photo Credit: MojNews, Wikipedia Commons

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.
Wide view of Tehran’s skyline with several tall plumes of grey smoke rising between apartment buildings under a hazy, grey sky.

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.
A plume of smoke rises above road traffic after an explosion on March 2, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. The United States and Israel continued their joint attacks that erupted on February 28. Iran retaliated by firing waves of missiles and drones at Israel, and targeting U.S. allies in the region. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

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.
Under a hazy, grey sky, a convoy of white vehicles drives along a dusty road near Saraya Square in western Gaza City on Jan​. 19, 2025. The vehicles are marked with the the International Committee of the Red Cross' stickers and flags.

“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.
Exterior view of the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, a large white and tan multi-story building with rows of windows and the ICRC flag on the roof, under a clear blue sky.

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.
Close-up of a wooden judge’s gavel resting on a sound block in front of stacked law books, symbolizing law, justice, and court proceedings.​

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?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of the Convention Establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crimes of Aggression Against Ukraine at the Hague on December 16, 2025 (via Council of Europe Media Gallery)

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.
International Court of Justice chambers.

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.
Wide shot of the International Court of Justice courtroom, with judges seated in a row behind a long elevated bench beneath a large mural, and rows of delegates and observers seated at desks facing the bench, listening to ongoing proceedings.

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.
Wooden judge’s gavel lies next to a small globe on a reflective surface, symbolizing international justice and the global reach of legal decisions.

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. 
1-12 of 718 items

DON'T MISS A THING. Stay up to date with Just Security curated newsletters: