Parties to armed conflict must distinguish civilians from fighters and protect civilian life, infrastructure and humanitarian access.
Parties to armed conflict must distinguish civilians from fighters and protect civilian life, infrastructure and humanitarian access.
WHRF focus area. International humanitarian law places limits on how wars are fought. Civilians and civilian objects may not be targeted, and parties must take constant care to reduce harm, treat people in their power humanely and enable impartial relief.
Civilian protection also requires attention to detention, missing people, sexual violence, displacement, explosive weapons in populated areas, attacks on health and education, and accountability for serious violations. The rules apply to all parties, whatever cause they claim.
The Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law establish core protections during armed conflict. International human rights law continues to apply alongside humanitarian law.
WHRF approaches this issue through independent research, public-interest analysis, non-partisan advocacy and cooperation with credible human-rights actors. This page identifies a focus area; it does not claim that WHRF currently operates a field programme or provides direct services in a particular country.
Contact WHRF if your organization has relevant evidence, expertise or a responsible partnership proposal.
Last reviewed: 20 October 2026.
