What rights are protected by the Geneva Convention?

Captured combatants and civilians under the authority of an adverse party are entitled to respect for their lives, dignity, personal rights and convictions. They shall be protected against all acts of violence and reprisals. They shall have the right to correspond with their families and to receive relief.

Can civilians be combatants?

Under IHL, the category of civilians is opposable to that of “combatants.” In an international armed conflict, all persons who are not combatants are civilians. Civilians who directly participate in hostilities, however, lose that protection for the duration of their participation in hostilities. …

Does the Geneva Convention apply to civilians?

The Geneva Conventions are rules that apply only in times of armed conflict and seek to protect people who are not or are no longer taking part in hostilities; these include the sick and wounded of armed forces on the field, wounded, sick, and shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea, prisoners of war, and civilians.

Are human rights protected during armed conflicts?

It is often during armed conflicts that human rights are infringed upon the most. Humanitarian law applies in armed conflict, restricting the actions of warring parties, providing for protection and humane treatment of persons who are not taking part or can no longer take part in the hostilities.

What are the rights of civilians during an armed conflict?

It prohibits a direct attack on civilians, collective punishment acts of terrorism, rape, forced prostitution, and indecent assault, etc. One may ask then, since the law of Geneva protects the civilians in many aspects, then what is the need or relevance of involving human rights discourse in IHL.

What is protection of civilians in armed conflict?

InterAction focuses on reducing the risk civilians experience during crises by educating its members, partners, and world leaders to ensure non-combatants are respected and protected as outlined by international humanitarian law.

What law protect civilians and soldiers in Civil War?

The protection of civilians during armed conflict is therefore a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. This protection extends to their public and private property. IHL also identifies and protects particularly vulnerable civilian groups such as women, children and the displaced.