What principle guides the treatment of enemy combatants under international law?

The principle that guides the treatment of enemy combatants under international law is primarily grounded in humanitarian principles. These principles, enshrined in treaties such as the Geneva Conventions, emphasize the need to treat all individuals humanely, without discrimination, and to provide care for the wounded and sick.

Humanitarian principles dictate that even in times of conflict, adversaries retain certain rights which must be respected. This includes protections against inhumane treatment, torture, and punishment, as well as the right to a fair trial. The fundamental goal of these principles is to limit the effects of armed conflict on people and to ensure that individuals who are not engaged in hostilities are treated with dignity and respect.

By adhering to these humanitarian principles, combatants are afforded protections that help to uphold human rights during armed conflict, thus promoting a more humane approach to warfare. This approach also serves to encourage compliance with international law and promotes stability and respect for human rights beyond the battlefield.