Luis Moreno Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the international…
““Luis Moreno Ocampo, chief prosecutor of the international criminal court, wrote in 2006: “International humanitarian law and the Rome statute permit belligerents to carry out proportionate attacks against military objectives, even when it is known that some civilian deaths or injuries will occur. A crime occurs if there is an intentional attack directed against civilians (principle of distinction) ... or an attack is launched on a military objective in the knowledge that the incidental civilian injuries would be clearly excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage (principle of proportionality).””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
International law allows proportionate attacks on military targets even if civilian harm is expected, but intentional attacks on civilians are crimes
In simple terms: Proportional attacks allowed; intentional civilian attacks prohibited
Key Takeaway
Apply proportionality and distinction in conflict
Themes
law
ethics
war
Mood
serious
analytical
Type
legal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military planning
- humanitarian advocacy
- legal analysis
Key Concepts
international humanitarian law
proportionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How to ensure proportionality?
- What mechanisms enforce distinction?
A Different Perspective
Real‑world conflicts often blur civilian‑military lines