This video explores the contentious concept of ‘unlawful combatancy’ in IHL. It clarifies that IHL doesn’t have a clear-cut definition for an unlawful combatant, typically seen as the opposite of a lawful combatant. The lecture discusses the criteria for lawful combatants, as outlined in the Third Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I, emphasizing rights like combatant immunity and protections as prisoners of war. It also examines the post-9/11 creation of the ‘unlawful combatant’ by the US, a category allowing certain civilians to be targeted and denied prisoner-of-war status. Despite this, the video underscores that such individuals are still entitled to basic human rights protections under IHL.