The Fourth Geneva Convention is an international treaty that lays down the humanitarian rules applicable during armed conflicts. It specifically deals with the protection of civilians, as well as persons no longer taking part in the hostilities, such as wounded, sick, or shipwrecked individuals, prisoners of war, and civilians in occupied territories.
This convention was adopted on August 12, 1949, and it represents an important development in international humanitarian law. It builds upon the principles established by previous Geneva Conventions and aims to strengthen the protection of individuals affected by armed conflicts.
The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits acts of violence, intimidation, and reprisals against civilians and persons hors de combat. It also establishes fundamental norms concerning the humane treatment of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, safeguarding their physical and mental well-being, and ensuring their access to medical care and fair treatment.
In addition, the Fourth Geneva Convention establishes rules for the occupation of territories during an armed conflict, requiring the occupying power to respect the laws of the occupied state and to ensure the well-being of the civilian population.
States that are parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention are obliged to respect and implement its provisions within their territories, and they should disseminate this knowledge among their armed forces and population. International humanitarian organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, play a significant role in promoting compliance with and raising awareness about the Fourth Geneva Convention.
