How is international humanitarian law relevant to your business?

In certain circumstances, international humanitarian law will be binding on the personnel of private businesses, just as it is on States, organised armed groups and soldiers. Unlike human rights initiatives, which businesses may adopt or enter into voluntarily, international humanitarian law is already binding on anyone whose activities are closely linked to an armed conflict.

This makes the potential for corporate exposure to violations of international humanitarian law broader than you may think, particularly when it is alleged that the company or individual is complicit in the violation. Keep an eye out for our factsheets, which will provide further information about the norms of international humanitarian law that businesses ought to be especially aware of.