The Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions expand and develop the protections established by the Geneva Conventions of 1949. They address changes in armed conflict and provide additional rules for protecting victims of war.
PUBLIC LEGAL REFERENCE
Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions
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Additional Protocol I of 1977 applies to international armed conflicts. It strengthens protections for civilians and develops rules concerning the conduct of hostilities, including distinction and proportionality.
Additional Protocol II of 1977 applies to certain non-international armed conflicts. It provides additional protections for persons affected by internal conflicts.
The Additional Protocols strengthen protections for civilian populations by requiring parties to distinguish between military objectives and civilian persons and objects.
The Additional Protocols develop rules concerning methods of warfare, including restrictions on attacks that may cause excessive civilian harm and requirements to take precautions.
The Additional Protocols reinforce fundamental humanitarian principles including humanity, distinction, proportionality and protection for persons who are not directly participating in hostilities.
The Additional Protocols remain important in modern armed conflicts by providing legal standards for protecting people and regulating military conduct.
Students should understand how the Additional Protocols expanded humanitarian protections, strengthened civilian protection and developed rules concerning armed conflict.
Students should understand that the Additional Protocols supplement the Geneva Conventions by expanding protections, regulating conduct during armed conflict and strengthening humanitarian rules.