"Every War Has Limits"
Zaw Htoo (CDM)
Laws of war must be strictly followed to save lives and uphold human values. These rules are not meant to exist only on paper, they are intended for practical implementation. The primary goal is to protect human dignity during conflict. It is prohibited to deliberately target civilians or their homes, and this protection also covers educational, medical, and religious facilities.
The fundamental principle of international law is that every war must have limits, and this applies to any kind of conflict.
Key Elements of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
IHL is a body of international law, and it aims to protect people during wars and armed conflicts. It is based on the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and it focuses on the following points.
1. Distinction
Forces must clearly distinguish between combatants and civilians, and it is forbidden to intentionally attack civilians or residential buildings. This rule also protects hospitals, schools, and religious sites at all times.
2. Proportionality
Military operations must avoid excessive harm to civilians, and the damage to people or property must not outweigh the expected military advantage. Any attack that causes disproportionate suffering is strictly prohibited.
3. Humanity
Inhumane acts are strictly prohibited even during military operations, and forces must treat the wounded and detainees with dignity. This rule ensures that prisoners of war are treated humanely at all times.
4. Prohibition of Attacks Intended to Spread Terror
Attacks intended to spread terror among civilians are forbidden, and collective punishment is a direct violation of international law. The use of restricted weapons to frighten the public is also strictly prohibited.
Child Protection
Children are extremely vulnerable during times of war, and IHL works with international conventions to protect the rights of the child. These laws strictly forbid the recruitment of children into the military, and it is illegal to force children to participate in any military activities.
Children orphaned by war must receive special protection and care, and schools or nurseries must never be designated as military targets. Any action that destroys a child's education or psychological growth is a serious matter, as these actions jeopardize the future of an entire generation.
Protection of Women
Women often face high risks of sexual violence and violations of human dignity during war, and all forms of sexual violence are strictly prohibited under IHL. This is a non-negotiable rule, and furthermore, pregnant women and new mothers must receive special protection and care.
Detained women must be kept in separate and secure facilities, and international courts have made their position very clear. Using sexual violence as a weapon of war is a war crime, and perpetrators must be held accountable for these violations.
Responsibilities of People's Defense Forces
People’s Defense Forces must:
Prioritize defense with a focus on the life and security of civilians.
Never commit acts that could harm children and women under any circumstance.
Treat detainees humanely in accordance with the law.
Adhering to IHL is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of the values of justice and humanity.
Human Rights and IHL Violations by the Myanmar Military (During and Outside of Conflict)
There is substantial evidence against the Myanmar military, and they continue to violate military codes of conduct and military laws. These violations include breaches of IHL and international human rights law, and these acts occur during active conflict, and they also happen in areas without active combat.
Violations During Conflict:
Attacking civilian residential areas, towns, villages, ceremonies, and IDP camps from the air using bombers, gyrocopters, paramotors and heavy artillery.
Targeting hospitals and schools.
Burning and destroying homes.
Torturing detainees.
Violations Outside of Conflict:
Using force to suppress peaceful protesters.
Unjustly arresting and imprisoning innocent people.
Restricting freedom of speech and press freedom.
These acts are clear examples of blatant violations of IHL and international human rights standards.
War should never be an excuse to destroy human values, and following IHL and laws that protect children and women saves lives. These rules also help build a just future, and therefore, no one should forget this core principle. Every war must have limits.