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Precautionary principle

IHL TermSTANAG Level 3

Definition

Definition

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

"The planning process applied the precautionary principle to each strike option."

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 planning process applied the _____ to each strike option."

Answer: Precautionary principle

Related IHL Term Terms

Distinction

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

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.

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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