Humanitarian law primarily focuses on regulating the conduct of armed conflict and minimizing its effects on civilians and combatants. It applies specifically during times of armed conflict, such as civil wars or other internal conflicts.

Human rights law encompasses a broader spectrum of rights and protections that apply to individuals universally, regardless of the situation or context. It aims to safeguard inherent rights and dignity in various spheres of life, including civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.

However, the term “humanitarian” covers a broad range of crises, when related to “humanitarian crises”, including environmental crises, famine and food shortages, refugee influxes, and health crises.