Historical stages of development of international humanitarian law

The article examines the historical stages of development of international humanitarian law, and periodizes the historical development of international humanitarian law. The author identifies the main periods of historical development of international humanitarian law: the first period – ancient times and the Middle Ages; the second period – XVII - XIX centuries; the third period – XX century; the fourth period – the end of the XX century - the beginning of the XXI century. The main features of the development of each period of international humanitarian law are characterized. It is determined that the periodization of international humanitarian law is an important tool for understanding the evolution of the rules governing the behavior of participants in armed conflicts, as well as for studying changes in international practice and humanitarian law. It is found that each stage of the periodization helps to understand how the international community has adapted its principles to new challenges, technologies and methods of warfare, which has contributed to the development of more humane and effective standards for the protection of civilians and prisoners of war, the wounded and the sick.