What two forms of Treaty Law govern the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC)?

The reason the correct answer is the Geneva and Hague Conventions is that these two sets of treaties form the foundational legal framework governing the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC).

The Hague Conventions, developed primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focus on the means and methods of warfare and outline the rights and duties of belligerents in armed conflict. They set regulations on how states should conduct war, emphasizing the principles of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity.

The Geneva Conventions, established in the mid-20th century, provide comprehensive protections for individuals who are not participating in hostilities, such as civilians, medical personnel, and prisoners of war. These Conventions are crucial for ensuring humane treatment during armed conflicts and have been universally ratified, making them particularly significant in international humanitarian law.

Together, the Geneva and Hague Conventions create a cohesive legal framework designed to balance military necessity with humanitarian considerations, thus underpinning the core principles of LOAC.