Forgotten conflicts in the Middle East: the lack of empathy from the international community in the light of International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

This research aims to reflect on the substantial gaps that still exist regarding the utilization of international humanitarian law, its true function, and applicability in environments such as the Middle East, where analyzing its validity raises questions about its neutrality. Therefore, in order to develop this reflection, there is primarily a questioning about the importance that warfare holds for the international community; that is, whether these events are matters of utmost necessity for it, depending on the location or the actors involved.

Subsequently, a comparison is made between the events that triggered conflicts in the Middle East, their continuation, and worsening throughout history up to the present day. Finally, from the perspective of international humanitarian law, an examination is conducted of the international community's stance on these conflicts and what has been done to resolve them.

With this, the aim is to conclude, as a form of questioning, about the true utility of international organizations like the United Nations, judicial bodies like the International Court of Justice, and institutions like the International Criminal Court. It questions the role they play within the international system and the significance they attribute to safeguarding and respecting human rights in scenarios like the Middle East.