International law meant to limit effects of war at breaking point, study finds

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editorFebruary 2, 2026 at 06:00 AM

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A recent study by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, titled "War Watch," reveals that international law aimed at limiting the effects of war is nearing a breaking point. The study, surveying 23 armed conflicts between July 2024 and the end of 2025, estimates over 100,000 civilian deaths, with widespread reports of torture and sexual violence occurring with impunity. Conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were specifically highlighted, with significant civilian casualties, including the deaths of thousands of children. The report emphasizes the scale of violations and the lack of consistent international efforts to prevent them, leading to concerns that international humanitarian law is at risk of vanishing altogether due to repeated tolerance of atrocities. Limited war crime prosecutions further exacerbate the issue.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 40% Democratic Republic of the Congo 60% Hamas 60% Stuart Casey-Maslen 70% Ukraine 70% Palestinian territory 70% Israel 80% Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights 80% Gaza ×390%

Keywords

international humanitarian law 100% armed conflict 90% civilian casualties 80% war crimes 70% impunity 60% gaza 60% sexual violence 50% ukraine 50% geneva conventions 40% atrocity crimes 40%