History of IHL

International humanitarian law is rooted in the rules of ancient civilizations and religions - warfare has always been subject to certain principles and customs.

Universal codification of international humanitarian law began in the nineteenth century. Since then, States have agreed to a series of practical rules, based on the bitter experience of modern warfare.

These rules strike a careful balance between humanitarian concerns and the military requirements of States.

Click here for a brief chronology of the history of IHL.