The Geneva Conventions

The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two Additional Protocols of 1977 are the principal instruments of humanitarian law.

The Geneva Conventions of 1949 for the protection of war victims protect the wounded, the sick, the shipwrecked, prisoners of war and civilians who find themselves in enemy hands. They also protect medical duties, medical personnel, medical units and facilities, and the means of medical transport. Two Additional Protocols were adopted in 1977 to supplement the Geneva Conventions. They govern the conduct of combatants and protect civilians from the effects of hostilities.

There are currently 190 States Parties to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, 161 States Parties to Additional Protocol I and 156 States Parties to Additional Protocol II.
 
Click here for more information on the Geneva Conventions and a list of States Parties.

Click here for more information on the 1977 Additional Protocols.