UNITED NATIONS: United Nations officials cautioned world powers preparing military action against Islamic State fighters that the ‘laws of war’ would apply to them and they must do everything possible to protect civilian populations.

“As military action on ISIS positions seems increasingly likely, we remind all parties that they must abide by the laws of war and most particularly, the principles of distinction and proportionality.

Serious efforts must be made by all parties to preserve civilian life,” Paulo Pinheiro, chairman of the UN commission of inquiry, told the Human Rights Council on Tuesday.

The rules of war embodied in the Geneva Conventions require warring sides to distinguish between military and civil objects, such as schools and hospitals, and to carry out operations that are proportionate to the perceived threat.

Washington has been trying to build a coalition to fight Islamic State since last week when President Barack Obama pledged to destroy the militant group. France on Monday sent jets on a reconnaissance mission to Iraq, a step towards becoming the first ally to join the US-led air campaign there.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2014