F1[F2Article 51—U.K. Protection of the civilian population
Textual Amendments
F1Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2
F2Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2
F31U.K.The civilian population and individual civilians shall enjoy general protection against dangers arising from military operations. To give effect to this protection, the following rules, which are additional to other applicable rules of international law, shall be observed in all circumstances.
Textual Amendments
F3Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2
F42U.K.The civilian population as such, as well as individual civilians, shall not be the object of attack. Acts or threats of violence the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian population are prohibited.
Textual Amendments
F4Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2
F53U.K.Civilians shall enjoy the protection afforded by this Section, unless and for such time as they take a direct part in hostilities.
Textual Amendments
F5Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2
F64U.K.Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited. Indiscriminate attacks are:
(a)those which are not directed at a specific military objective;
(b)those which employ a method or means of combat which cannot be directed at a specific military objective; or
(c)those which employ a method or means of combat the effects of which cannot be limited as required by this Protocol;
and consequently, in each such case, are of a nature to strike military objectives and civilians or civilian objects without distinction.
Textual Amendments
F6Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2
F75U.K.Among others, the following types of attacks are to be considered as indiscriminate:
(a)an attack by bombardment by any methods or means which treats as a single military objective a number of clearly separated and distinct military objectives located in a city, town, village or other area containing a similar concentration of civilians or civilian objects; and
(b)an attack which may be expected to cause incidental loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, damage to civilian objects, or a combination thereof, which would be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated.
Textual Amendments
F7Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2
F86U.K.Attacks against the civilian population or civilians by way of reprisals are prohibited.
Textual Amendments
F8Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2
F97U.K.The presence or movements of the civilian population or individual civilians shall not be used to render certain points or areas immune from military operations, in particular in attempts to shield military objectives from attacks or to shield, favour or impede military operations. The Parties to the conflict shall not direct the movement of the civilian population or individual civilians in order to attempt to shield military objectives from attacks or to shield military operations.
Textual Amendments
F9Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2
F108U.K.Any violation of these prohibitions shall not release the Parties to the conflict from their legal obligations with respect to the civilian population and civilians, including the obligation to take the precautionary measures provided for in Article 57.]
Textual Amendments
F10Fifth and Sixth Schedules inserted (20.7.1998) by 1995 c. 27, s. 6, Sch.; S.I. 1998/1505, art. 2