Humanitarian law is a body of international law that seeks to protect civilians and other non-combatants during armed conflict. It regulates the conduct of warfare and aims to minimize suffering and loss of life.

The principle of distinction requires that parties to a conflict distinguish between combatants and civilians, and that attacks be directed only at military objectives. The principle of proportionality prohibits attacks that are likely to cause excessive civilian casualties or damage to civilian property. The principle of necessity requires that attacks be necessary to achieve a legitimate military objective and that the expected benefits of the attack outweigh the expected harm to civilians.

States have a responsibility to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with humanitarian law, including punishing those who violate the law and cooperating with other states in enforcing the law.

Violations of humanitarian law can result in criminal prosecution, civil liability, reparations, and other consequences.

War crimes are serious violations of humanitarian law that are committed during armed conflict. Examples of war crimes include intentionally killing civilians, torture, rape, and other inhumane acts.

The ICC is an independent international court that investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

There are a number of challenges to enforcing humanitarian law, including the lack of a universal definition of humanitarian law, the difficulty in gathering evidence of violations, and the unwillingness of states to cooperate with international courts.

There are a number of ways to improve compliance with humanitarian law, including strengthening national laws and institutions, providing training and education on humanitarian law, and promoting awareness of humanitarian law among the general public.

Civil society organizations play an important role in promoting compliance with humanitarian law by monitoring compliance, reporting violations, and advocating for the protection of civilians and other non-combatants.

The future of humanitarian law is uncertain. It is possible that humanitarian law will become more comprehensive and effective, or that it will become less relevant in the face of new challenges. It is also possible that humanitarian law will remain the same.