ABSTRACT
Appalled by the horrors of recent conflicts, the international community is wondering what can be done to curb violence and secure respect for international law. This chapter describes the protected zones provided for in international humanitarian law and go on to consider the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. It examines the protected zones established there, both under humanitarian law and by the Security Council. Humanitarian law is a very practical kind of law which takes into account the demands of humanity as well as military necessity. Humanitarian law, however, addresses very specifically the dangers and the humanitarian needs arising from war. Article 23 of the First Geneva Convention provides for the establishment of 'hospital zones and localities' so organized as to protect from the effects of war wounded and sick members of the armed forces. The fluctuations of the armed conflict in the former Yugoslavia had a direct bearing on the use of 'protected zones'.
