What does the Law of Armed Conflict generally consist of?

The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), also known as International Humanitarian Law, primarily consists of broad-based rules defining the conduct of warfare and the protection of individuals who do not take part in hostilities, such as civilians and medical personnel. This body of law seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons. It encompasses various treaties, customary international law, and principles that outline permissible and prohibited actions during armed conflict, including the treatment of prisoners of war, the protection of civilians, and the use of specific weapons.

This legal framework is essential for ensuring that military operations adhere to established standards of humanity, thereby balancing the necessity of military operations with ethical considerations and the protection of human rights. The focus is fundamentally on the conduct of fighting, rather than on strategies for combat effectiveness, trade, or military recruitment, which fall outside its scope.