We consistently hear about violations of IHL: the news each day reveals more atrocities around the world. What does not reach the headlines are all the times that IHL is upheld, complied with and respected – when violations of IHL are prevented. While violations of the laws appear to be the norm, very often it is the prevention of violations of IHL which mean that civilians do not come under attack, that medical workers were able to provide treatment to the war wounded and that a commander did not issue a ‘give no quarter’ order. While the terms ‘prevent’ or ‘prevention’ are mentioned only infrequently in the Geneva Conventions 1949 (Geneva Conventions), the very purpose of IHL is to prevent human suffering in times of armed conflict, and more specifically to prevent war crimes. States, NSAGs, international organisations, NGOs and individuals work every day promoting IHL to ensure that violations are prevented.