In addition to restricting the means and methods of warfare, international humanitarian law protects persons who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities. The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are international treaties that contain the most important rules limiting the most deleterious effects of war. They protect people who do not take part in the fighting (civilians, medics, aid workers) and those who can no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war).
For more information on international humanitarian law, visit the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) website
Geneva Convention (I) for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field (12 August 1949)
Geneva Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea (12 August 1949)
Geneva Convention (III) Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (12 August 1949)
Geneva Convention (IV) Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (12 August 1949)
Protocol Additional (I) to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (8 June 1977)
Protocol Additional (II) to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (8 June 1977)
ICRC Study on Customary International Humanitarian Law