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Distinction

IHL TermSTANAG Level 3

Definition

Definition

The IHL principle requiring parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians.

"The principle of distinction is fundamental to the laws of armed conflict."

How This Term Is Used

This term belongs to the vocabulary of International Humanitarian Law and appears in the legal and ethical framework governing military operations. Understanding it precisely matters both for STANAG 6001 Level 3 reading comprehension and for real operational and legal accuracy.

Practice

Fill in the blank:

"The principle of _____ is fundamental to the laws of armed conflict."

Answer: Distinction

Related IHL Term Terms

Grave breach

A serious violation of international humanitarian law constituting a war crime.

Hors de combat

A person who is out of the fight due to wounds, surrender, or incapacitation.

Military necessity

The principle that only force necessary to achieve a legitimate military objective may be used.

Perfidy

The act of inviting the enemy's confidence then betraying it — prohibited under IHL.

Precautionary principle

The requirement to take all feasible precautions to minimise civilian harm.

Prisoner of war

A combatant captured by the enemy who is entitled to specific protections under IHL.

Proportionality

The requirement that anticipated civilian harm must not be excessive relative to military advantage.

Protected person

A person entitled to special protection under international humanitarian law.

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