What legal framework governs the conduct of armed conflict?

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also referred to as the laws of war or the law of armed conflict, is the legal framework that specifically governs the conduct of armed conflict. IHL aims to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons. It seeks to protect those who are not participating in hostilities, such as civilians and healthcare workers, and restricts the means and methods of warfare to ensure that armed forces conduct hostilities in a manner that minimizes suffering and destruction.

While the United Nations Charter plays an important role in maintaining international peace and security and establishes the principles governing the use of force, it does not provide the detailed regulations for the conduct of armed conflict that IHL does. Similarly, the Geneva Conventions are a critical component of IHL; however, they are more accurately described as specific treaties within that legal framework rather than the entire framework itself. The National Security Strategy outlines the goals and methods for protecting a nation's security but does not govern the conduct of armed conflict as IHL does.

Thus, IHL is the encompassing legal framework that provides the rules and principles governing how armed conflict should be conducted, ensuring humanitarian concerns are addressed during warfare.