Proximate ‘human shields’ and the challenge for humanitarian organizations

ICRC Humanitarian Law and Policy Blog · Nov 18, 2021 · 11m

The term ‘human shields’ describes a method of warfare prohibited by international humanitarian law (IHL), during which the presence of civilians or the movement of the civilian population, whether voluntary or involuntary, is used to shield military objectives from attack, or to shield, favour or impede military operations. Human shields are always protected from attack unless and for such time as they take a direct part in hostilities. While the law is clear, the reality can be blurred by the discursive use of human shields. In this instalment of our urban warfare special series, Neve…