For information on States who have signed and ratified the 4 Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, please refer to the document “States party to the Geneva Conventions”.

 

The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are international treaties that contain the most important rules limiting the barbarity of war, regulating the conduct of armed conflict and seeks to limit its effects.  

 

They specifically protect people who are not taking part in the hostilities (civilians, health workers and aid workers) and those who are no longer participating in the hostilities, such as wounded, sick and shipwrecked soldiers and prisoners of war.

 

The Conventions and their Protocols call for measures to be taken to prevent or put an end to all breaches. They contain stringent rules to deal with what are known as "grave breaches". Those responsible for grave breaches must be sought, tried or extradited, whatever nationality they may hold.

 

Further information on the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, can be found on the ICRC website