Which LoW principle obligates parties to distinguish principally between the armed forces and civilian population and between unprotected and protected objects?

• A. Distinction
• B. Proportionality
• C. Humanity
• D. Honor

Answer: (A)

Distinction requires parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians and between civilian objects and military objectives. Attacks should target only military objectives, and civilian objects, including protected ones like hospitals or schools, must be spared unless they are being used for military purposes and thus become legitimate military objectives. When assessing targets, the distinction principle also guides avoiding harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, even in the face of military necessity, with proportionality and precautions guiding how far any harm can go. Proportionality is a separate consideration that weighs expected civilian harm against the military objective, not the basic obligation to tell apart civilian from military targets. Humanity and Honor are not the specific targeting principles used in this context.