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Geneva Conventions
The 1949 versions of the conventions, along with two additional protocols, are in force today.
Convention I:
This convention protects wounded and infirm soldiers and medical
personnel against attack, execution without judgment, torture and
assault upon personal dignity (Article 3). It also grants them the
right to proper medical treatment and care.
Convention II:
This agreement extended the protections mentioned in the first
convention to shipwrecked soldiers and other naval forces, including
special protections afforded to hospital ships.
Convention III:
One of the treaties created during the 1949 convention, this defined a
prisoner of war and accorded prisoners of war proper and humane
treatment as specified by the first convention. Specifically, it
required POWs to give only their name, rank and serial number to a
captor. Nations party to the convention may not use torture to extract
information from POWs.
Convention IV:
Under this convention, civilians are afforded the protections from
inhumane treatment and attack afforded in the first convention to sick
and wounded soldiers. Furthermore, additional regulations regarding the
treatment of civilians were introduced. Specifically, it prohibits
attacks on civilian hospitals, medical transports, etc. It also
specifies the right of internees and those who commit acts of sabotage.
Finally, it discusses how occupiers are to treat an occupied populace.
Protocol I:
In this additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions, the signing
nations agreed to further restrictions on the treatment of "protected
persons" according to the original conventions. Furthermore,
clarification of the terms used in the conventions was introduced.
Finally, new rules regarding the treatment of the deceased, cultural
artifacts and dangerous targets (such as dams and nuclear
installations) were produced.
Protocol II:
In this protocol, the fundamentals of "humane treatment" were further
clarified. Additionally, the rights of interned persons were
specifically enumerated, providing protections for those charged with
crimes during wartime. It also identified new protections and rights of
civilian populations.
The U.S. has ratified the four conventions but has not ratified the two protocols.
Disputes arising under the conventions or protocols additional to
them are settled by courts of the member nations (Article 49 of
Convention I) or by international tribunals.
The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has a
special role given by the Geneva Conventions, whereby it handles, and
is granted access to, the wounded, sick and POWs.
Last update: Oct. 1, 2008
Geneva Conventions
The 1949 versions of the conventions, along with two additional protocols, are in force today.
Convention I:
This convention protects wounded and infirm soldiers and medical
personnel against attack, execution without judgment, torture and
assault upon personal dignity (Article 3). It also grants them the
right to proper medical treatment and care.
Convention II:
This agreement extended the protections mentioned in the first
convention to shipwrecked soldiers and other naval forces, including
special protections afforded to hospital ships.
Convention III:
One of the treaties created during the 1949 convention, this defined a
prisoner of war and accorded prisoners of war proper and humane
treatment as specified by the first convention. Specifically, it
required POWs to give only their name, rank and serial number to a
captor. Nations party to the convention may not use torture to extract
information from POWs.
Convention IV:
Under this convention, civilians are afforded the protections from
inhumane treatment and attack afforded in the first convention to sick
and wounded soldiers. Furthermore, additional regulations regarding the
treatment of civilians were introduced. Specifically, it prohibits
attacks on civilian hospitals, medical transports, etc. It also
specifies the right of internees and those who commit acts of sabotage.
Finally, it discusses how occupiers are to treat an occupied populace.
Protocol I:
In this additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions, the signing
nations agreed to further restrictions on the treatment of "protected
persons" according to the original conventions. Furthermore,
clarification of the terms used in the conventions was introduced.
Finally, new rules regarding the treatment of the deceased, cultural
artifacts and dangerous targets (such as dams and nuclear
installations) were produced.
Protocol II:
In this protocol, the fundamentals of "humane treatment" were further
clarified. Additionally, the rights of interned persons were
specifically enumerated, providing protections for those charged with
crimes during wartime. It also identified new protections and rights of
civilian populations.
The U.S. has ratified the four conventions but has not ratified the two protocols.
Disputes arising under the conventions or protocols additional to
them are settled by courts of the member nations (Article 49 of
Convention I) or by international tribunals.
The International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has a
special role given by the Geneva Conventions, whereby it handles, and
is granted access to, the wounded, sick and POWs.
Last update: Oct. 1, 2008
