The Conclusions reflect on the law outlined in Chapters 1−10. They recall that IHL is essentially an attempt to balance two fundamentally contradictory drivers – the need to wage war effectively, and the need to protect people and property from the excessive effects of warfare. It concludes that IHL largely succeeds in this endeavour, and that without IHL life for those caught up in armed conflict would be immeasurably worse. It notes, however, that while the fundamental principles of IHL are enduring, States can and should do more to develop new or more comprehensive laws where there is a need, such as the under-developed law of non-international armed conflict and the lack of regulation of certain weapons.

Chapter 5 looks at the detailed rules regarding the protection of the wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of the armed forces, and those who care for them – medical and religious personnel. It also looks at the law regarding what is perhaps the most recognisable emblem in the world – the Red Cross – and its affiliated emblems, the Red Crescent and Red Crystal.

Chapter 14 describes lawful human targets, the first being enemy combatants. Their required characteristics, activities, and locations are covered, followed by exceptions to their lawful targeting: prisoners, those showing intent to surrender, and those incapacitated by wounds. Wrongful use of force investigations are detailed, to impress the fact that violations of an exempt targeting status have consequences within our own armed forces. What legal standard is applied to the shooter when investigating possible unlawful use of force? Lawful civilian targets are considered, as well: when one is targeted he may return fire on civilians in self-defense; and when civilians are directly participating in hostilities (DPH), as is often the case in recent conflicts. Significant space is devoted to explaining what constitutes DPH, as well as to continuous combat function, the higher form of DPH. Targeting of heads of state (e.g., Saddam Hussein, Adolf Hitler, the US president) is covered. Then, is there a duty to capture, rather than wound? To wound, rather than kill? Finally, the politically fraught killings of Iranian General Suliemoni and Anwar al-Aulaqi are examined for LOAC compliance.

This chapter presents the rules on special protection in light of considerations of military necessity. Remarks are devoted in particular to the protection governing objects containing dangerous forces and cultural property and the alleged different degrees of military necessity.