Basic principles of international humanitarian law of armed conflict

Abstract

This article presents research on the nature, character and stature of the basic principles of international humanitarian law of armed conflict, an important element of public international law. These principles are: the principle of humanity, the principle of military necessity, the principle of proportionality and the principle of distinction. They are the starting point for the establishment of specific legal norms and the foundation for the construction of various areas of this area of law. In addition, an important immanent/natural feature is their utilitarianism during the course of armed conflicts, where commanders in the reality of armed combat are expected to apply and observe them.