THE RULES AND PRINCIPLES OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW ON THE PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT DURING ARMED CONFLICT. AN APPRAISAL

Abstract

Environmental degradation affects populations across the globe, threatening lives and exacerbating existing
vulnerabilities, inequalities, and social fragility. People, communities, and countries affected by armed conflict tend
to be particularly vulnerable to the consequences of the impact of armed conflict on environment, because conflicts
limit their capacity to adapt and protect themselves. The effect of armed conflict on environment has made the
vulnerable populations to be disproportionately affected by food insecurity, loss of livelihood opportunities, health
impacts and displacement, which are compounded by environmental degradation. This article examines the negative
effect that protracted armed conflict has on the environment. It also concludes that the rule and principles of
humanitarian law on environment should, during armed conflict be respected for the sole aim of protecting the natural
environment for the benefit of its inhabitants.