Customary IHL - 1. The Principle of Distinction between Civilians and Combatants

Guinea

Practice Relating to Rule 1. The Principle of Distinction between Civilians and Combatants

Guinea’s Soldier’s Manual (2010), under the heading “Principles of the law of war”, states:

The law of [w]ar rests on three fundamental principles:

1. Principle of distinction

…

Principle of distinction defines:

- who … can be attacked;

- who … cannot be attacked.

…

NB: For a soldier, the principle of distinction is the most important one.

Guinea, Soldier’s Manual, Ministry of National Defence, 2010, p. 2.

Guinea’s Soldier’s Manual (2010) states: “Fight only combatants.”

Guinea, Soldier’s Manual, Ministry of National Defence, 2010, p. 3; see also p. 15.

Guinea’s Soldier’s Manual (2010) states: “Spare civilian persons.”

Guinea, Soldier’s Manual, Ministry of National Defence, 2010, p. 3.