![]() ![]() They must be protected against all forms of violence and degrading treatment, including murder and torture. IHL provides that civilians under the power of enemy forces must be treated humanely in all circumstances, without any adverse distinction. ![]() ![]() Such protection was later reinforced with the adoption of the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Convention in 1977. The protection also included civilian property. The "civilians' convention" recognized the changing nature of warfare and established legal protection for any person not belonging to armed forces or armed groups. The response of the international community was the Fourth Geneva Convention adopted in 1949.īefore 1949 the Geneva Conventions protected wounded, sick, shipwrecked and captured combatants. Civilians have always suffered in war, but the brutal impact of World War II, which included mass extermination, indiscriminate attacks, deportations, hostage taking, pillage and internment, took a high toll of civilian life. IHL also identifies and protects particularly vulnerable civilian groups such as women, children and the displaced.ĭuring World War II, and in many of the conflicts since, civilians have been the main victims of armed conflict. This protection extends to their public and private property. The protection of civilians during armed conflict is therefore a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. During the past 60 years the main victims of war have been civilians. ![]()
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