Classification determines which rules of international humanitarian law (namely the body of international law that governs warfare) apply, what protections civilians have, and what type of war crimes can be committed. Without it, there is uncertainty on the applicable international legal framework, with consequences in terms of legal accountability and humanitarian access.
Why assessing IHL compliance in relation to civilian harm?
Not all civilian harm occurring in armed conflict amounts to a violation of international humanitarian law. Monitoring civilian harm and assessing its compliance with international humanitarian law provides a basis for accountability, drives international pressure to uphold the law, and ensures that the human cost of war cannot be ignored.