Question

A fundamentality principle of international humanitarian law is the principle of proportionality. Which of the following statement most appropriately describes the principle?

• A. prohibits attacks against military objectives which are expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination, which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated
• B. permits measures which are actually essential to accomplish a legitimate military purpose and are not otherwise prohibited by international humanitarian law
• C. requires forces to, at all times, distinguish between the civilian population and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives and accordingly direct operations only against military objectives
• D. prohibits use of means and methods of warfare which are of such nature so as to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

prohibits attacks against military objectives which are expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination, which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated

Answer 2

The principle of proportionality under international humanitarian law prohibits attacks that may cause excessive harm to civilians or civilian property in relation to the anticipated military advantage. This ensures that military actions are balanced with humanitarian concerns.