Public Law Researsh

The Applicability of International Humanitarian Law to Peacekeeping Operations

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Bahman Mojarrad Aylar 1
Mostafa Fazaeli 2
GHolamali GHasemi 2

1 PhD candidate in International Law. Qom University, Qom, Iran.

2 Prof, Department of International Law, Faculty of Law, Qom University, Qom, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.22054/qjpl.2026.87533.3140
Abstract
With the emergence of the Robust peacekeeping operations in the years after the Cold War, the scope of the use of force in peacekeeping operations expanded. This issue most often occurs in areas that are involved in armed conflicts. Considering the nature of peacekeepers, who must act impartially, this raises questions about the applicability of international humanitarian law: are peacekeeping forces considered military under international humanitarian law, like the parties to the conflict, and may they be legitimate military targets? This article seeks to address these questions using a descriptive - analytical approach and library data. This article argues that in order for peacekeeping forces to become parties to the conflict, they must participate directly or indirectly in an armed conflict, whether international or non-international. Therefore, the mere presence of peacekeeping forces in an area that is involved in armed conflicts nor does the mere use of force make them parties to the conflict.

Keywords

Peacekeeping forces '
use of force'
international humanitarian law'
self-defense'
؛'
United Nations
Subjects
Public Law Researsh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 May 2026

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