The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols are the primary legal framework for the protection of civilians in armed conflict. These treaties set out the rules and principles that aim to protect civilians from the effects of hostilities and to ensure their humane treatment.

The principle of distinction, the principle of proportionality, and the principle of humanity are all fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. The principle of distinction requires parties to a conflict to distinguish between combatants and civilians, and to direct their attacks only at military objectives. The principle of proportionality prohibits attacks that are expected to cause excessive civilian casualties or damage to civilian objects. The principle of humanity requires parties to a conflict to take all feasible precautions to avoid or minimize civilian casualties and suffering.

The principle of distinction in international humanitarian law requires parties to a conflict to distinguish between combatants and civilians, and to direct their attacks only at military objectives. This principle is essential for protecting civilians from the effects of hostilities.

The principle of proportionality in international humanitarian law prohibits attacks that are expected to cause excessive civilian casualties or damage to civilian objects. This principle is essential for protecting civilians from the effects of hostilities.

The principle of humanity in international humanitarian law requires parties to a conflict to take all feasible precautions to avoid or minimize civilian casualties and suffering. This principle is essential for protecting civilians from the effects of hostilities.

There are a number of specific rules that aim to protect civilians in armed conflict, including the prohibition of attacks on civilians, the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks, the prohibition of attacks on medical personnel and facilities, and the prohibition of attacks on cultural property.

States have a responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflict by taking all feasible precautions to avoid or minimize civilian casualties and suffering, providing assistance to civilians affected by armed conflict, and investigating and prosecuting violations of international humanitarian law.

There are a number of challenges to protecting civilians in armed conflict, including the difficulty of distinguishing between combatants and civilians, the use of indiscriminate weapons, the targeting of civilians by armed groups, and the lack of accountability for violations of international humanitarian law.

International organizations play a vital role in protecting civilians in armed conflict by monitoring and reporting on violations of international humanitarian law, providing humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by armed conflict, and advocating for the protection of civilians.

Individuals can help protect civilians in armed conflict by educating themselves about international humanitarian law, speaking out against violations of international humanitarian law, and supporting organizations that are working to protect civilians in armed conflict.

Protecting civilians in armed conflict is essential for saving lives and preventing suffering, upholding the rule of law, and promoting peace and stability.

Failing to protect civilians in armed conflict can have a number of consequences, including increased civilian casualties and suffering, destabilization of the region, and loss of faith in the rule of law.

The ICRC plays a vital role in protecting civilians in armed conflict by providing humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by armed conflict, promoting compliance with international humanitarian law, and acting as a neutral intermediary between parties to a conflict.

The UN Security Council has a number of tools at its disposal to protect civilians in armed conflict, including authorizing the use of force to protect civilians, imposing sanctions on parties to a conflict who are violating international humanitarian law, and establishing peacekeeping operations to protect civilians.

The ICC plays a vital role in protecting civilians in armed conflict by investigating and prosecuting individuals who are responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, providing reparations to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, and deterring future violations of international humanitarian law.