The Principle of Proportionality vis-à-vis Military Necessity

Abstract

The principle of proportionality (PP) is considered one of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). It serves as the standard for balancing the requirements of humanity with military necessity. Any military advantage achieved must not come at the expense of humanitarian considerations.

Violating this principle causes unjustified harm to humanity and results in suffering that cannot be legally or morally justified. Accordingly, parties to an armed conflict must adhere to the principle of proportionality to ensure that humanitarian considerations take precedence over any military advantage that may be achieved.