Over the past 60 years, civilians have been the main victims of war. Thousands of civilians have been killed. Others don’t have food, water, heat or shelter. Millions have been forced to flee their homes.
Both soldiers and civilians are protected under the Geneva Conventions. An attempt to limit the damage done by war, and reduce suffering.
The 4 Geneva Conventions:
• Protects the sick, wounded, medical and religious personnel during conflict
• Care for the wounded, sick and shipwrecked during war at sea
• Treat prisoners of war with humanity
• Protect all civilians, including those in occupied territory
From these conventions come the rule of war. They are universal. All sides in conflicts have to follow them.
The basic rules:
• Civilians can never be targeted
• The sick and wounded have a right to be cared for - no matter whose side they are on
• Medics and aid workers should be protected
• The things civilians need for survival - like food and water - should not be denied or destroyed
• Prisoners deserve fair treatment. They must not be tortured or abused
• Weapons which cause excessive or untargeted damage should be limited
• Rape and other forms of sexual violence are expressly forbidden
BREAKING THESE RULES IS A WAR CRIME
