Martens Clause

The Martens Clause is a principle in international law that provides a safety net for humanitarian considerations when specific treaties or laws are unclear or don’t cover a situation. It states that even if a conflict isn’t explicitly addressed by existing agreements, parties must still respect human rights and principles of humanity and justice. Named after a 19th-century Russian diplomat, it ensures that conduct during war remains bound by moral standards, guiding actions in unforeseen circumstances to uphold human dignity and prevent atrocities.