What are the laws of war?
These laws state that all non-combatants, including civilians, medical personnel, and rescue workers, are protected, and that those who cannot continue to fight, such as wounded soldiers or prisoners of war, are also protected.
*Targeting civilians is a “war crime.” Civilians have the right to be protected from the dangers of war and to receive assistance whenever they need it.
*To avoid harming civilians or their homes or cutting off their means of subsistence, such as water, food, or livestock.
*The sick and wounded have the right to receive care regardless of which side they are on (enemy or friendly).
*Attacks on medical teams, ambulances and hospitals carrying out humanitarian work are strictly prohibited.
*Torture and interference with the treatment of prisoners of war are strictly prohibited.
*Internees must have food and water and be able to communicate with their families.
*Limitations on weapons and tactics of war can be used in war to avoid unnecessary destruction.
*All forms of rape or sexual violence in the context of war are strictly prohibited.
*All parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law, both government forces and non-state actors.
*If the laws of war are not respected, “war crimes” will be investigated by states or international courts.
Punishment of war criminals
People guilty of war crimes can be arrested and tried. After World War II, a number of war criminals were arrested and those found guilty of war crimes were tried. Among the war crimes trials were the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials.
Compensation
A state in conflict that violates the laws of war may be compelled to pay compensation for the violation. Article 3 of the 1907 Hague Convention states that “a state which has violated the laws of war may be compelled to pay compensation for the violation.”
Cambodia Strongly Condemns Civilian Shooting by Thai Forces 12 November 2025
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