In a column some weeks ago, I had tried to explain the difference between Rule of Law and Rule by Law. Under the former, the Law is supreme and all rulers must abide by the law. Under the latter, the rulers are supreme and the law is their servant and servants can be changed any time. Since the idea of settlements and communities took root, humans have adopted rules.

Rules of War

There are rules of war. After the two World Wars, the four Geneva Conventions and their Protocols were adopted and ratified by all 196 States. They constitute the International Humanitarian Law. In a nutshell, they lay down four rules:

Protect the sick, wounded, medical and religious personnel during conflict.

Care for the wounded, sick and shipwrecked during war at sea.

Treat prisoners of war with humanity.

Protect all civilians, including those in occupied territory.

However, these rules were violated with impunity in the wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Libya. They are violated in the ongoing wars between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas. Rape and pillage are common.

Russia has bombed and launched missile strikes on hospitals, schools and civilian areas in Ukraine. A Russian transport aircraft........

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