International law is supposed to protect people around the world. It sets rules for countries to follow, especially during wars, so that innocent people do not suffer. But in today’s world, many people are losing faith in these laws because they are not being applied equally.
Take the Russia-Ukraine war or Israel’s genocidal action in Gaza as examples. In both cases, international laws are being ignored, and powerful countries are staying silent. It seems that some countries follow international law only when it suits them. Leaders of powerful nations, especially those who have influence in the UN, often act unfairly. Only a few countries still try to follow international law without any political pressure.
One important law is Article 54 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions (1977). This law clearly says that starving civilians during war is not allowed; it is also not allowed to destroy or block food, water, farms, livestock, or anything needed for people to survive. But what has happened in Gaza is very different from this law. According to many verified reports, Israel has destroyed almost all food sources, crops, animals and clean water supplies so much so that even babies area been allowed access to baby formula; people have been starving for months.
After three months when humanitarian aid was finally allowed after a long wait, Israeli forces shot at the people who were waiting in line for flour. Thirty-one starving civilians were killed, and yet the world stayed silent. Even major powers like the US, the UK and many European countries did nothing. This silence and inaction are dangerous. If international laws are applied only to weak countries, then people will stop believing in them. To protect the future of our world, international laws must be applied fairly to everyone, regardless of their country, race or religion. Only then will people believe in justice and peace.
Fahad Rind
Johi
