International Humanitarian Law as a Source of Protection for Refugees from Areas of Armed Conflict

Abstract

The primary focus of attention in discussions on legal norms protecting refugees are usually the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and more recently international human rights instruments, such as the European Convention on Human Rights. In the context of armed conflicts, however, it seems natural to think of international humanitarian law as applicable in armed conflicts. This article examines the potential of international humanitarian law, i.e. the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols of 1977, as sources of legal protection for refugees who seek shelter outside their home country.