Fourth Geneva Convention facts for kids
The Fourth Geneva Convention is a very important international treaty. It was signed in 1949. Its full name is the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. This treaty is part of a group called the Geneva Conventions. They are named after Geneva, Switzerland, where they were first signed.
The main goal of the Fourth Geneva Convention is to protect civilians during a war. Civilians are people who are not part of the fighting forces. This treaty helps keep them safe in a war zone. Today, 194 countries have agreed to follow this treaty. It is a key part of international law.
In 1993, the United Nations Security Council looked at a special report. This report said that the Geneva Conventions had become part of "customary international law." This means that even countries that did not officially sign the treaties might still have to follow them. This applies whenever they are involved in armed conflicts.
Contents
What is the Fourth Geneva Convention?
The Fourth Geneva Convention is a set of rules for countries to follow during wartime. It focuses on protecting people who are not soldiers. This includes ordinary citizens, doctors, and aid workers. The treaty makes sure they are treated fairly and humanely.
Why was it created?
This treaty was created after World War II. During that war, many civilians suffered greatly. Leaders around the world wanted to prevent such suffering from happening again. They decided to create clear rules to protect people caught in conflicts.
Who does it protect?
The convention protects many different groups of people. It protects civilians in occupied territories. It also protects people who are wounded or sick. Medical and religious staff are also covered. The treaty ensures that these people receive care and respect.
What are some key rules?
The Fourth Geneva Convention has many important rules. For example, it says that civilians must not be attacked. They cannot be used as shields. It also states that people must not be tortured or treated cruelly. Hospitals and medical transports are also protected. They must never be targeted in a conflict.
What is "customary international law"?
"Customary international law" means rules that countries follow because they are traditional. These rules are seen as necessary, even if not written in a treaty. The idea is that these rules are so important, all countries should follow them. This makes the Geneva Conventions very powerful.
See also
In Spanish: Cuarto Convenio de Ginebra para niños
