Which LOAC principle requires minimizing injury and collateral damage?

• A. Military Necessity
• B. Proportionality
• C. Unnecessary Suffering
• D. Discrimination

Answer: (C)

Proportionality is the LOAC principle that governs minimizing injury and collateral damage. It requires that the force used to achieve a military objective be proportionate to that objective and that civilian harm or damage to civilian objects not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military aim. If an attack would cause civilian casualties or collateral damage far beyond what is necessary to achieve the objective, that action would fail the proportionality test and should be avoided or modified. This idea works together with distinction (target military objectives only) and military necessity (valid, necessary force) while contrastting with unnecessary suffering, which bans weapons or tactics that cause needless harm. So, the principle that best fits minimizing collateral damage is proportionality.