Libya: Q&A: Human rights and war in Libya

What are the obligations under international law of parties to the conflict in Libya? [...] They should strictly adhere to the definition of military targets and the prohibition of indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks contained in Protocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions, which reflect customary international law. [...] We have received worrying reports of ongoing shelling or air strikes in several towns and villages where civilians are likely to have been at risk, and which are effectively cut off from the rest of the world because telephone networks have been disconnected. [...] However, the Protocol also makes it clear that even if one side is shielding itself behind civilians, that this “shall not release the Parties to the conflict from their legal obligations with respect to the civilian population and civilians…” Furthermore, Article 50(3) of Protocol I states that: “The presence within the civilian population of individuals who do not come within the definition of c [...] He should disclose the names of all those whom his forces are holding and where they are held and allow international access to ensure their safety and well-being.