What is the purpose of the Law of Armed Conflict?

The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), also known as International Humanitarian Law, aims primarily to lessen the effects of armed conflict on civilians and those who are no longer participating in hostilities, such as wounded soldiers and prisoners of war. This legal framework establishes rules that govern the conduct of hostilities and seek to protect individuals who are not involved in combat, thereby reducing unnecessary suffering and ensuring some degree of humanity in warfare.

The fundamental principles of LOAC emphasize the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, proportionality in the use of force, and the necessity to discriminate in targeting military objectives. By adhering to these principles, military forces can minimize harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure during conflicts, which is a central goal of the Law of Armed Conflict.