Which statement about protections for civilians under the law of war principle of distinction is false?

Which statement about protections for civilians under the law of war principle of distinction is false?

• A. Civilians must be protected from intentional harm.
• B. Distinction requires parties to distinguish between civilian objects and military objectives.
• C. Civilians cannot be targeted.
• D. Parties may disguise their military forces as civilians to kill or wound opposing forces.

Answer: (D)

The principle of distinction requires that parties in war always tell the difference between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. Civilians must be protected from direct harm, and direct attacks should be directed only at military objectives. The statement that civilians can be targeted is not correct. Disguising military forces as civilians to kill or wound opponents is not allowed. It uses civilian status to gain an advantage and would amount to perfidy, which the law prohibits. So the false statement is the one that suggests such deception is permissible.

The principle of distinction requires that parties in war always tell the difference between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. Civilians must be protected from direct harm, and direct attacks should be directed only at military objectives. The statement that civilians can be targeted is not correct.

Disguising military forces as civilians to kill or wound opponents is not allowed. It uses civilian status to gain an advantage and would amount to perfidy, which the law prohibits. So the false statement is the one that suggests such deception is permissible.