This chapter discusses the protection of civilians against direct attack and the effects of military operations, and the protections should they fall into the hands of the enemy in IACs and NIACs under IHL and IHRL . The scope of the protection afforded is reviewed. The chapter goes on to consider its application in specific cases; the prohibition of arbitrary punishment, detention, internal displacement and deportation, sexual violence in armed conflict and SEA on the part of UN peacekeepers. The protection afforded to specific groups to wit children, journalists, UN peacekeepers and PMSC personnel is then examined.

All civilians – men and boys as well as women and girls – are at risk of sexual and gender-based violence in peacetime and during armed conflict. All are protected against such violence under international humanitarian law (IHL) during situations of armed conflict and by international human rights law. This protection applies at all times and in all circumstances. As the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stated: ‘While the prohibition of sexual violence applies equally to men and women, in practice women are much more affected by sexual violence during armed conflicts.’ This chapter explores the legal protection against sexual violence and describes ongoing initiatives to tackle rape as a weapon of war.