Civilian deaths Quote by Anonymous
““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
Source Document: International Criminal Court statement, 2006
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
![“Even assuming that Israel’s claims were plausible, humanitarian law obligates Israel to avoid civilian casualties that “would be excessive [32] in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.” A belligerent force must verify whether civilian or civilian infrastructure…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a18/anonymous-1_quote_even-assuming-that-israel-s-claims-were_875545.jpg)
