classification of current armed conflicts

Now, under customary international law, all of the main LOAC principles apply in a NIAC. NIACs fall under the Geneva Conventions through Common Article 3 which requires that all people be treated humanely, and the wounded and sick are cared for. The law governing NIACs was originally written in response to horrific civil wars. Non-international Armed Conflicts (NIAC) are all other types of armed conflicts.

According to Common Article 2, all four (4) Geneva Conventions, as well as both of the Two Additional Protocols, apply in their entirety to an IAC. IACs fall under the Geneva Conventions through Common Article 2. If there is a conflict between States that has lead to the intervention of armed forces, an IAC exists. The linchpin to determining if an IAC exists is to ask “is there a conflict between states that has lead to the intervention of armed forces?” The scope and duration of the conflict does not matter nor does it matter if there has been a formal declaration of war. International Armed Conflicts (IAC) are conflicts between States.There is no such thing as unregulated hostilities. No gap exists between them either one or the other exists in the event of armed hostilities. There are two types of armed conflicts, International Armed Conflicts and Non-international Armed Conflicts. If there is no armed conflict, the LOAC does not apply and domestic law will govern. The LOAC is triggered by the existence of an armed conflict.

Classification of current armed conflicts