Geneva Conventions

The Geneva Conventions are the core documents of the humanitarian aspects of international law, with the first passed in 1864. In modern usage, they deal with humanitarian considerations in warfare, with general issues at sea principally under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

1864 Convention

This was originally limited to the care for wounded soldiers, but was later extended to cover warfare at sea and prisoners of war. It has been superceded by the 1949 Geneva Conventions, their Additional Protocols, and other relevant international agreements.

1949 Conventions

The main set adopted in 1949 were:

• First Geneva Convention for wounded soldiers on the battlefield
• Second Geneva Convention for persons wounded and shipwrecked at sea
• Third Geneva Convention on prisoners of war
• Fourth Geneva Convention for civilians under enemy control, as in an occupation

1977 Additional Protocols

Major extensions were enacted in 1977, although many nations, including major powers, have not necessarily ratified all or part:

• Additional Protocol I for international conflicts
• Additional Protocol II for non-international conflicts

In 2005, Additional Protocol II was adopted, covering additional distinctive emblems identifying noncombatants.