Proportionality in LOAC requires what?

• A. Potential civilian harm and collateral damage must not be excessive in relation to the anticipated military objective.
• B. Any civilian harm is prohibited.
• C. Proportionality allows unlimited harm if necessary.
• D. Proportionality applies only to airstrikes.

Answer: (A)

Proportionality in LOAC is about balancing military necessity with humanitarian protections. The rule requires that the potential civilian harm and collateral damage from an attack must not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military objective you intend to achieve. In practice, you weigh the expected military gain against the likely civilian harm, and if the harm would be disproportionate to the objective, the attack is not permissible. This doesn’t ban all civilian harm; incidental harm is allowed if it is proportionate to the military objective and feasible precautions are taken. The rule applies to all means of warfare, not just airstrikes.