Zaporizhzhia: What International Humanitarian Law has to say about nuclear power plants in warfare

Absolutely no one needs to be told how bad nuclear disasters are.

But now we have conduct of hostilities in Zaporizhzhia, a nuclear power plant in Ukraine. It might not surprise the avid reader of this newsletter though, that of course, the Geneva Conventions are not complacent when it comes to nuclear power plants in areas affected by armed conflict. The maxim of protecting the civilian population – to which any nuclear disaster would come at the greatest cost – applies with no exceptions.

Picture: A nuclear power plant in Europe. Symbolic Picture © REUTERS/Johanna Geron

First of all, Nuclear power plants are civilian objects. As such, they are protected against attack and reprisals, and must therefore not be targeted. In case of doubt, such objects must be presumed to be civilian. (MORE ON THIS)

Secondly, Works and installations containing dangerous forces such as nuclear power plants benefit from specific protection under international humanitarian law. They cannot be attacked just because they would have become military objectives if such an attack may cause the release of dangerous forces and consequent severe losses among the civilian population. Under certain conditions, launching an attack against nuclear power plants may constitute a war crime.

Thirdly, parties must endeavor to avoid placing military objectives, such as troops, weapons or military vehicles, in or near nuclear power plants. However, a military objective such as a bridge used for military purposes may happen to be located in the vicinity of such facilities. (MORE ON THIS)

Even if any of the rules above would not apply, the rules for the protection of the civilian population and the natural environment are irrefutable.

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Futures, interrupted: When education is affected by conflict

Picture: Mali: Bamako outskirts, Senou camp. This classroom is located in a precarious shed. The students have no chairs or desks and are therefore forced to sit on the floor. © Nicolas Remene, ICRC

“The humanitarian imperative is clear: Children need to be in school, even during armed conflict.” – is how the ICRC President begins his plea to the world.

Education is especially vulnerable to the shocks of conflict and violence.

Fighting can destroy or damage facilities and make it unsafe for children to travel to school or attend class. School closures can be prolonged or become permanent. Sometimes – and it is shocking – schools, students and education personnel are the target of attacks.

In protracted conflicts, entire generations can lose out on education due to economic hardship. This can increase exclusion and abuse for many, particularly girls. 

This is why education should never be a battleground.

While the ICRC is not an education specialist, we know how to operate in conflict. Together with our partners, we work with communities and governments to mitigate the impact of conflict and violence on education systems.

“The ICRC stands ready to help all actors in the efforts to protect education from attack,” Peter Maurer concludes.

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