1810202. What must be done to avoid war?

485. In case of war, what does the moral law require? Even during a war the moral law always remains valid. It requires the humane treatment of noncombatants, wounded soldiers and prisoners of war. Deliberate actions contrary to the law of nations, and the orders that command such actions are crimes, which blind obedience does not excuse. Acts of mass destruction must be condemned and likewise the extermination of peoples, nations or ethnic minorities, which are most grievous sins. One is morally bound to resist the orders that command such acts. Further reading: CCC 2312-2314, 2328 486. What must be done to avoid war? Because of the evils and injustices that all war brings with it, we must do everything reasonably possible to avoid it. To this end it is particularly important to avoid: the accumulation and sale of arms which are not regulated by the legitimate authorities; all forms of economic and social injustice; ethnic and religious discrimination; envy, mistrust pride and the spirit of revenge. Everything done to overcome these and other disorders contributes to building up peace and avoiding war. Further reading: CCC 2315-2317, 2327-2330