The Russia-Ukraine ConflictThe Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Chapter 6
Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure
by Margie Brockmeyer
Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure (1/4)
Can Russia attack and destroy schools, residential building and hospitals?
Often the media report about attacks on schools, residential buildings and hospitals during conflicts.
Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure (2/4)
International humanitarian law does not only protect people!
Illustration: Marlin Beringer
So-called "civilian objects" are also protected under international humanitarian law, the law of war. This includes all objects that do not serve "military objectives". Civilian infrastructure is also covered by this protection, i.e. schools, homes and hospitals.
Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure (3/4)
How do military objectives differ from civilian objects?
Illustration: Marlin Beringer
Military bases, military barracks, munitions depots, military airfields and vehicles and the armed forces in general serve military objectives. They can be lawfully attacked and destroyed by Russia.
In contrast, schools, residential buildings and hospitals are protected as civilian objects in war and must not be directly attacked and destroyed. They serve no military objective or use.
Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure (4/4)
Schools and hospitals as shields?
Illustration: Marlin Beringer
However, warring parties repeatedly store weapons and ammunition in schools or hospitals in violation of international law. Or this is claimed by the enemy in order to justify attacks against schools or hospitals.
When in doubt, the civilian population and civilian objects are to be spared. Unfortunately, however, the reality is different. Such attacks can be classified as war crimes in order to ensure justice, at least retrospectively.