Even wars have rules

And the rules are being ignored in Ukraine

On Monday, members of the International Court of Justice (The Hague) said they will quickly decide whether to call for a halt to hostilities committed by Russia in that country’s invasion of Ukraine, which accuses Russian leader Putin of war crimes. (Calling for a halt to hostilities is roughly worth the paper it’s printed on, but such a declaration would further damage Putin’s already tattered international reputation.)

No one from Russia was present at the hearing. The possibility of Putin actually appearing before the court increases only with the possibility of regime change.

Recently on social media, the International Committee of the Red Cross broke down the Geneva Conventions for people who’d been asking precisely what the rules are for conducting a war.

So far, it’s Russia: 0. Putin has consistently flouted the rules for conducting a less-barbaric war, as outlined by the Conventions, which

form the core of international humanitarian law, which regulates the conduct of armed conflict and seeks to limit its effects. They protect people not taking part in hostilities and those who are no longer doing so.

In general, the 71-year old international treaties, which seek to limit war’s destruction, include but are not limited to:

• Civilians are protected. That has not been the case in Ukraine.

• Schools, hospitals, civilians’ homes, water plants that supply clean water, and electricity lines are not targets of war. This has not been the case in Ukraine.

• The use of illegal weapons and the illegal use of weapons is prohibited. No ifs or buts. The use of heavy explosive weapons in populated areas - so in cities - should be avoided. This has not been the case in Ukraine.

• Aid workers and humanitarian organizations must be allowed to operate safely. In all situations, lifesaving aid must not be blocked. This has not been the case in Ukraine.

#SlavaUkraini