KHAIRUN LAW JOURNAL
Volume 9 Issue 2, March 2026

FROM BATTLEFIELDS TO BENCHMARKS : TRACING THE PAST AND SHAPING THE FUTURE OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAW

Tayewo Adewumi (Faculty of Law Elizade University)
Amade Roberts Amana (Kampala International University in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Mar 2026

Abstract

The evolution of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) reflects humanity’s enduring quest to bring moral restraint to armed conflict. This paper explores the historical development of IHL, tracing its origins from early customary warfare codes and pivotal moments such as the Geneva Conventions, to contemporary legal frameworks responding to cyber warfare, autonomous weapons, and asymmetrical conflicts. By examining the influence of key actors—states, humanitarian organizations, and legal scholars—the study highlights the transformative milestones that have shaped IHL’s trajectory. Furthermore, it critically assesses present-day challenges, including enforcement mechanisms and the politicization of humanitarian principles. Looking forward, the paper proposes pathways for strengthening IHL amid emerging global threats, advocating for legal adaptability, inclusivity, and a recommitment to core humanitarian values. From ancient battlegrounds to modern policy arenas, the evolution of IHL remains a testament to the resilience of law in protecting humanity’s conscience during war.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

klj

Publisher

Subject

Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Khairun Law Journal (KLJ) is an official journal of Faculty of Law, Khairun University. KLJ published semi-annualy in September and March. The aims of this journal is to provide a venue for academicians, researchers and practitioners for publishing the original research articles or review articles. ...