Understanding LOAC Principles

What does LOAC stand for?

• Laws of Allied Combatants

• Law of Armed Command

• Law of Armed Conflict

• Legal Operations Against Civilians

Name one key principle of LOAC.

• Principle of distinction

• Principle of humanity

• Principle of proportionality

• Principle of necessity

How does LOAC protect civilians during armed conflict?

• LOAC mandates that civilians must participate in combat.

• LOAC allows unrestricted attacks on civilians during conflict.

• LOAC requires that civilians be used as human shields.

• LOAC protects civilians by prohibiting attacks on them and requiring precautions to minimize civilian harm.

What is the principle of distinction in LOAC?

• The principle of distinction focuses on the use of chemical weapons.

• The principle of distinction is about the treatment of prisoners of war.

• The principle of distinction requires differentiation between combatants and non-combatants.

• The principle of distinction allows targeting of all military personnel.

Explain the principle of proportionality in LOAC.

• Proportionality requires that all military actions must avoid any civilian casualties.

• Proportionality allows for unlimited military force if it benefits the mission.

• The principle of proportionality in LOAC ensures that military actions are not excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage, protecting civilians from disproportionate harm.

• The principle of proportionality only applies to civilian targets, not military ones.