International humanitarian law (IHL), often referred to as the laws of war, is a critical framework that governs the conduct of armed conflicts and seeks to protect individuals who are not or no longer participating in hostilities. For IHL to be effective, states must implement and enforce its provisions through a variety of mechanisms. These mechanisms encompass legislative, judicial, and administrative measures that ensure compliance with IHL and facilitate its integration into national legal systems.

States play a pivotal role in the implementation of IHL by adopting national legislation that reflects international obligations, training armed forces and law enforcement officials, and establishing systems to investigate and prosecute violations. Additionally, states are responsible for promoting awareness and understanding of IHL among their populations, ensuring that its principles are respected and upheld in times of conflict. The effectiveness of IHL largely depends on the commitment and actions of individual states to adhere to and enforce its rules, thereby upholding the principles of humanity and dignity even in the midst of war.