It is a set of rules that prescribe guidelines for combatant behaviour during a war.
It comprises four treaties, standardised in 1949.
Three more protocols were later added which codify ethical and legal international norms for the humanitarian treatment of civilians who are affected by the war.
The convention mainly focuses on:
•Treatment of civilians and prisoners of war
•Restricting the use of conventional or biological and chemical weapons
•The Conventions have been ratified by 196 states, including all UN member states.
•India is a party to the Geneva Convention.
Four Geneva Conventions:
First Convention:
•It safeguards wounded and sick soldiers on land during the war.
•The convention also extends to medical and religious personnel.
Second Convention:
•It safeguards wounded, sick and shipwrecked military personnel at sea during the war.
•This Convention replaced the Hague Convention of 1907 for the Adaptation to Maritime Warfare of the Principles of the Geneva Convention.
•This convention also extends to hospital ships and medical transports by sea.
Third Convention:
•It is the most famous convention among all and it applies to the prisoners of war.
•It includes a wide range of guidelines with respect to the humane treatment of prisoners, conditions of captivity, evacuation of prisoners, transit camps, food, clothing, medical facilities, and hygiene.
•It also guarantees rights to religious, intellectual, and physical activities for the prisoners.
Fourth Convention:
•Unlike other conventions that protect the military personnel, this convention extends protection to the civilians including those in occupied territory.
