International humanitarian law (IHL) prohibits targeting civilian objects

However, during the war in Ukraine, we are witnessing numerous violations of IHL, including attacks on civilian buildings, resulting in their destruction or damage.

Such acts constitute a grave violation of the principle of distinction, under which parties to a conflict are obliged to distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives, and may direct attacks only against military objectives.

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court defines intentional attacks against civilian objects as a war crime.

Certain civilian objects are afforded special protection under IHL. These include:

• medical units and medical transport;
• cultural property;
• objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population;
• installations containing dangerous forces (such as nuclear power plants, dams, and dykes).

IHL also prohibits attacks against objects marked with the emblems of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal. These emblems provide protection for medical personnel, medical units, and medical transport, and are also used as a distinctive sign indicating affiliation with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to raise awareness of the rules of international humanitarian law, which are intended to limit violence during war.