UNITED NATIONS Economic and Social Council Distr. GENERAL E/CN.4/Sub.2/19 9 0/NGO/31 29 Auaust 1990 Oriqinal: ENGLISH COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities Fortv-second session Aqenda item 4 REVIEW OF FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN FIELDS WITH WHICH THE SUB-COMMISSION HAS BEEN CONCERNED Written statement submitted by the International Educational Development Inc., a non-governmental organization in consultative status on the Roster The Secretary-General has received the following communication which is circulated in accordance with Economic and Social Council resolution 1296 (XLIV). 1. The Commission on Human Rights, by its resolution 1990/66, requested the Sub-Commission to address the issue of human rights in times of armed conflicts with a view to making proposals to the Commission for further action in this field (operative para. 6). 2. International Educational Development wishes to draw to the attention of the Sub-Commission certain points which, in our exoerience, contribute to an understanding of the application of humanitarian law and to efforts to re-establish peaceful resolution of disputes that have deteriorated into armed conflicts. GE.90-17509/7694A [29 August 1990] HUMAN RIGHTS IN TIMES OF ARMED CONFLICTS E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/NGO/31 oaqe 2 3. Humanitarian law aoplies when the objective conditions for armed conflict exist, irrespective of whether either the parties to the conflict or the international community approve of the reasons for the armed conflict or the political implications of it. The armed conflict mav be international or internal. For instance, in the internal armed conflict in Sri Lanka, humanitarian law rules apply irrespective of whether the international community approves of the reasons for Tamil dissatisfaction with the Sinhala-controlled Government's policies or whether it approves of the fact that the Tamil community has chosen, as a last resort, the use of force to defend their demands. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on the application of humanitarian law and the protection of human rights in times of armed conflicts, rather than any specific economic, environmental, or industrial issue. The language used is formal and technical, suggesting a focus on international law and human rights rather than practical economic or environmental concerns.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Education