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

Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights

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A report by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights examined 23 armed conflicts between July 2024 and December 2025, concluding that international humanitarian law is at a critical breaking point due to widespread violations.

A report by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights examined 23 armed conflicts between July 2024 and December 2025, concluding that international humanitarian law is at a critical breaking point due to widespread violations.

The report estimates that more than 100,000 civilians were killed annually in both 2024 and 2025 across the conflicts examined. Serious violations of international humanitarian law were committed on a huge scale with rampant impunity.

The report estimates that more than 100,000 civilians were killed annually in both 2024 and 2025 across the conflicts examined. Serious violations of international humanitarian law were committed on a huge scale with rampant impunity.

In Gaza, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reported that by the end of December 2025, victims included 18,592 children and about 12,400 women killed since October 2023. Gaza's population fell by about 254,000 people, a 10.6% decline.

In Gaza, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reported that by the end of December 2025, victims included 18,592 children and about 12,400 women killed since October 2023. Gaza's population fell by about 254,000 people, a 10.6% decline.

More civilians were killed in Ukraine in 2025 than in the two previous years, with a recorded total of 2,514 deaths representing a 70% increase compared to 2023. Russian drone attacks deliberately targeted civilians in multiple instances.

More civilians were killed in Ukraine in 2025 than in the two previous years, with a recorded total of 2,514 deaths representing a 70% increase compared to 2023. Russian drone attacks deliberately targeted civilians in multiple instances.

Sexual and gender-based violence was documented in almost every conflict examined. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an epidemic of such violence was perpetrated by almost all parties, with victims ranging from year-old infants to 75-year-olds.

Sexual and gender-based violence was documented in almost every conflict examined. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an epidemic of such violence was perpetrated by almost all parties, with victims ranging from year-old infants to 75-year-olds.

The report recommends prohibiting weapons exports where there is clear risk of facilitating serious violations, banning use of unguided gravity bombs in populated areas and ensuring systematic prosecution of war crimes through adequate support for tribunals.

The report recommends prohibiting weapons exports where there is clear risk of facilitating serious violations, banning use of unguided gravity bombs in populated areas and ensuring systematic prosecution of war crimes through adequate support for tribunals.

War Crimes Rampant: 100K+ Civilians Killed Annually

War Crimes Rampant: 100K+ Civilians Killed Annually

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War Crimes Rampant: 100K+ Civilians Killed Annually

War Crimes Rampant: 100K+ Civilians Killed Annually

The Controversies

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