International Humanitarian Law is heralded as a protector of civilians in times of armed conflict. It is in possession of an array of treaties and conventions with the sole aim of protecting the inhabitants of warzones. The framework for targeting is a concept that encompasses these instruments and has, at its heart, the principle of distinction. This article will analyse the purposes of the distinction principle and display the juxtaposition of its intended purpose to its use in reality. Despite the critical approach of this article, it will ultimately determine that international society needs this principle notwithstanding its less than perfect application.