Which of the following is not considered a war crime under international law?

Which of the following is not considered a war crime under international law?

• A. Forced pregnancy during armed conflict
• B. Unlawful waging of war
• C. Attacking military targets
• D. Sexual assault against civilians

Answer: (C)

The concept of war crimes is deeply rooted in international law, particularly under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. War crimes include acts that violate the laws and customs of war, which are intended to protect individuals who are not participating in hostilities. Attacking military targets is not considered a war crime as long as the attacks are conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law. Military targets are defined under international law as legitimate objects of attack during an armed conflict, provided that the attacks do not cause excessive civilian harm in relation to the anticipated military advantage gained. This principle underscores the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, which is a foundational aspect of lawful warfare. In contrast, the other options presented—forced pregnancy during armed conflict, unlawful waging of war, and sexual assault against civilians—are clearly classified as war crimes because they involve serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. These acts demonstrate a blatant disregard for the protection of individuals during conflicts and contribute to the broader scope of atrocities that international law seeks to prevent.

The concept of war crimes is deeply rooted in international law, particularly under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. War crimes include acts that violate the laws and customs of war, which are intended to protect individuals who are not participating in hostilities.

Attacking military targets is not considered a war crime as long as the attacks are conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law. Military targets are defined under international law as legitimate objects of attack during an armed conflict, provided that the attacks do not cause excessive civilian harm in relation to the anticipated military advantage gained. This principle underscores the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, which is a foundational aspect of lawful warfare.

In contrast, the other options presented—forced pregnancy during armed conflict, unlawful waging of war, and sexual assault against civilians—are clearly classified as war crimes because they involve serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. These acts demonstrate a blatant disregard for the protection of individuals during conflicts and contribute to the broader scope of atrocities that international law seeks to prevent.