International legal protection of human rights in armed conflict

International human rights law and international humanitarian law share the goal of preserving the dignity and humanity of all. Over the years, the General Assembly, the Commission on Human Rights and, more recently, the Human Rights Council have considered that, in armed conflict, parties to the conflict have legally binding obligations concerning the rights of persons affected by the conflict. Although different in scope, international human rights law and international humanitarian law offer a series of protections to persons in situations of armed conflict, whether civilians, persons who are no longer participating directly in hostilities or active participants in the conflict. This publication provides a thorough legal analysis and guidance-State authorities, human rights and humanitarian actors and others on the application of international human rights law and international humanitarian law for the protection of persons.