The Geneva Conventions
| The Geneva Conventions are four international treaties that form the basis of modern humanitarian law governing the treatment of soldiers and civilians during conflict. | | | 
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Adopted in 1949 to take account of the experiences of the Second World War, the Geneva Conventions still apply to modern armed conflicts.
The Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions
Red Cross organisations have a unique position under the Geneva Conventions. As a completely neutral and independent body the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) can offer to act as an impartial and neutral instrument of humanitarian protection, during armed conflicts.
Countries must allow the ICRC to visit prisoners of war. They sometimes exchange family messages and help search for missing persons.
National Societies, such as the British Red Cross, support this work by delivering family messages, and helping to provide medical aid and relief supplies when needed. They also have a special role as voluntary aid societies, auxiliary to the medical services of their country's armed forces.
Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949
- Wounded and sick soldiers
- Wounded, sick and shipwrecked sailors
- Treatment of prisoners of war
- Protection of civilians during war
Additional protocols of 8 June 1977
- Protection of victims of international armed conflicts
- Protection of victims of non-international armed conflicts
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