The main theme of this volume of the Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law

is the development and interpretation of international humanitarian law (IHL). It is

elaborated upon in several chapters that examine the role of non-state armed groups

in the development and interpretation of IHL, the impact of international criminal law

on the development of IHL, the notion of external non-international armed conflicts,

and the regulation of prolonged occupation under international law.

The second theme of this volume is dedicated to targeting in armed conflicts. Specific

topics include precautions in attack in urban and siege warfare, the targeting of the

Islamic State’s religious personnel in Iraq and Syria, and the targeting of illicit crops

through aerial spraying in Colombia. Besides the chapters that address both themes,

this volume also contains a Year in Review describing the most important events and

legal developments that took place in 2017.

The Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law is the world’s only annual publication

devoted to the study of the laws governing armed conflict. It provides a truly international

forum for high-quality, peer-reviewed academic articles focusing on this crucial

branch of international law. Distinguished by contemporary relevance, the Yearbook

of International Humanitarian Law bridges the gap between theory and practice and

serves as a useful reference tool for scholars, practitioners, military personnel, civil

servants, diplomats, human rights workers and students.