Protection of Women, Children & Journalists

In the theater of conflict, international law stands guard, aiming to shield women, children, and journalists from the harsh realities of war.

Women

Women are often particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse.

The Fourth Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I provide that all women are protected against rape and sexual/ indecent assault.

Detained women who are pregnant or have young children must have their case considered with utmost priority. These women must not also receive the death penalty if prosecuted or convicted of crimes relating to an armed conflict.

Children

When separated from families as a result of armed conflict, children are particularly susceptible to slavery, sexual violence and forced military recruitment.

The parties to a conflict must provide children with the aid/ care they require. They must also facilitate their religious practices and their education.

Additional Protocol I forbids the recruitment of children under 15 into armed forces. They can suffer serious psychological consequences from their recruitment such as the trauma of witnessing widespead death - this is evidently not in the best interests of any child.

Journalists and War Correspondents

War correspondents are formally authorised to accompany the armed forces whereas journalists are not. Both parties are at risk of being captured by the belligerent party for alleged espionage etc.

Journalists have no special status protection under IHL, however they are considered as civilians and are protected as such (the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I).

War correspondents also receive civilian protection. Unlike journalists, war sorrespondents benefit from POW status if they are captured.

Non-International Armed Conflicts (NIACs)

Additional Protocol II affords extra/ special protection to children and forbids the military recruitment of children. There is no explicit IHL provision that guarrantees additional rights to women in NIACs. Nevertheless, the law of NIACs prohibits rape, enforced prostitution and other forms of indecent assault. Journalists who carry out dangerous missions are entitled to civilian protection, just as in International Armed Conflicts (IACs).