International Humanitarian Law

Since World War I, the international community of states has attempted to eliminate armed conflict as a means of settling international disputes. Centuries ago, Disedarius Erasmus (1466-1536) proclaimed: "War is pleasant only for those who have never had any experience of it." Following World War II (1939-1945) the United Nations Organization was established with the primary purpose of maintaining international peace and security. However, armed conflicts and the violation of basic rules of International Humanitarian Law are in this day and age still with us. Today, even Super Powers engage illegally in armed interventions, as evidenced by the current invasion of Ukraine by Russian armed forces.

Autorentext

Johan D. van der Vyver, IT Cohen Professor de Direito Internacional e Direitos Humanos na Emory University, e professor extraordinário no Departamento de Direito Privado da Universidade de Pretória. Ensina direito internacional, direito humanitário internacional, direitos humanos internacionais e direito penal internacional.