Practice question
An AP I-governed conflict involves a town containing civilians and a few combatants. An official proposes treating the entire civilian population as combatants solely because some combatants are present. No direct participation by the civilians is established. Which legal conclusion is sound?
- The presence of some combatants does not by itself deprive the population of its civilian character.
- Every resident becomes a combatant automatically.
- Only children remain protected.
- Civilian status depends solely on nationality.
- A town's name determines its legal status.
Legal references
- Additional Protocol I (1977), Article48: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/api-1977/article-48
- Additional Protocol I (1977), Article51: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/api-1977/article-51
- Additional Protocol I (1977), Article52: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/api-1977/article-52
- Additional Protocol I (1977), Article57: https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/api-1977/article-57
- Additional Protocol I, Article 50(3): https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/en/ihl-treaties/api-1977/article-50
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