What defines an armed conflict?

An armed conflict is generally defined as a contested incompatibility concerning government and/or territory where the use of armed force between two or more parties results in at least 25 battle-related deaths in a year.

What are common causes of armed conflicts?

Common causes include resource scarcity, ideological differences, ethnic or religious divisions, geopolitical power struggles, territorial disputes, and governance failures within states.

What are the main humanitarian impacts of armed conflict?

Impacts include loss of life, displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, food insecurity, health crises, psychological trauma, and long-term economic disruption.

How does international law govern armed conflicts?

International humanitarian law (IHL), also known as the laws of war, regulates the conduct of hostilities and aims to protect persons not participating in or no longer participating in hostilities, limiting the effects of armed conflict.