Genèvekonventionen

The Geneva Conventions are a series of treaties and protocols that establish the standards of international law for humanitarian treatment in war. Primarily, they protect people who are not or no longer participating in hostilities and restrict the means and methods of warfare. The four conventions were adopted in Geneva, Switzerland, between 1864 and 1949. The first convention protects the wounded and sick of armed forces in the field. The second convention extends similar protections to wounded, sick, and shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea. The third convention covers prisoners of war, setting out their treatment and rights. The fourth convention provides protection to civilians in wartime.

In addition to the four main conventions, there are three additional protocols. Protocol I relates to the protection of victims of international armed conflicts, while Protocol II addresses the protection of victims of non-international armed conflicts. Protocol III, adopted in 2005, introduces an additional distinctive emblem. These conventions and protocols form the core of international humanitarian law. They are administered by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Almost all countries have ratified the Geneva Conventions, making them universally recognized principles of warfare.