Georgia/Russia War. Q & A: Violence in South Ossetia

Georgia/Russia: Do Not Attack Civilians in South Ossetia
Abide by the Fundamental Principle of International Humanitarian Law
(New York, August 9, 2008) – Georgia and Russia should not under any circumstances target civilians as the current hostilities intensify in South Ossetia. Human Rights Watch, concerned by reports of attacks targeting civilians, called on all sides to respect the absolute ban against targeting civilians or carrying out attacks that indiscriminately harm civilians. Read more

Update from North Ossetia

Q & A: Violence in South Ossetia

1. What’s going on in South Ossetia?

2. What’s the background to the latest round of fighting?

3. Is this an internal or international armed conflict? What law governs it?

4. What is a lawful target under international humanitarian law?

5. What precautions must be taken in carrying out military attacks?

6. Are peacekeepers combatants or civilians?

7. Are parties entitled to target infrastructure such as airports, roads, bridges and power stations?

8. What are the parties’ obligations regarding the use of civilian areas for military activities?

9. What is meant by using human shields?

10. Can parties to the conflict attack radio and television stations?

11. Should belligerent parties give warnings to civilians in advance of attacks? What constitutes an “effective” warning?

12. What is meant by “collective punishment” of the civilian population?

13. What are the parties’ obligations to agencies seeking to provide humanitarian assistance?

14. Are attacks on humanitarian convoys unlawful?