Laws of war

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/laws-of-war

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the core legal principles?Distinction, proportionality, and precaution in attack
2. What is the key protected groups?Civilians, wounded and sick combatants, prisoners of war, and medical personnel
3. Who helped start the first Geneva Convention?Henry Dunant saw many people hurt at the Battle of Solferino. He helped create the first Geneva Convention in 1864 to protect wounded soldiers.
4. Why can't civilians be attacked?The laws say civilians must be protected. They cannot be targeted in attacks because they are not fighting.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL): The body of international law that seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons.
Principle of Distinction: The rule requiring parties to a conflict to distinguish between combatants and civilians, and between military and civilian objects.
War Crimes: Serious violations of the laws and customs applicable in international armed conflict, leading to individual criminal responsibility.