HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN ARMED CONFLICT: A LEGAL ANALYSIS OF CIVILIAN PROTECTION UNDER INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN AND HUMAN RIGHTS LAW

Abstract

Human rights abuses are a widespread and deeply troubling part of the conflict situation in war-torn countries. With the escalation of armed conflicts, civilians are usually caught in a crossfire, and worst is that, they are subjected to outrageous violations that contradict the very notion of human dignity. Widely practiced atrocities include arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and mass displacement, leaving vulnerable groups to deal with the ugly side of the war. Women and children become disproportionately impacted amidst the chaos, with an increased risk. In order to resolve the problem of sexual violence and exploitation, it is necessary to underline the necessity of fundamental freedoms, including the right to life, freedom, and safety. It allows reducing the humanitarian crisis and reducing the load on already affected marginalized communities. Also, the humanitarian aid activities are hampered, which contributes to the worsening of the situation. Human rights conventions and mechanisms are used to deal with such violations by international bodies, but the intricacy of conflicts has often prevented such intervention. The issue of human rights violations in war-torn states requires a complex strategy with diplomacy, international cooperation, and specific actions to save the most vulnerable. Finally, the international community should be keen to advocate for the rights of the affected people by jointly acting to curb the horrific effects of conflict on human dignity.