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Law

Proportionality as a Principle in International Humanitarian Law

Quick fact

Under international humanitarian law, an attack is prohibited if the expected civilian harm would be 'excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.' This requires a balancing act that commanders must perform in real time, and it applies to both international and non-international armed conflicts.

Why this is interesting

Imagine a military commander deciding to bomb a weapons depot located next to a school. How do they decide if the attack is legal? The answer lies in a legal principle called proportionality.