But they are not without hope. Under the international humanitarian law, those not taking part in combat must be protected. Its principal legal documents are the Geneva Conventions of 1949, four treaties signed by almost every nation around the world. The Conventions' 429 articles of law define fundamental rights for combatants removed from the fight due to injury, illness, or capture, and for civilians. Most victims of war today neither wear a uniform nor carry a fun.
Most casualties are civilians.
By complying with international humanitarian law, nations strive to protect these people. The law succeeds only to the extent that it is known and respected. Concern over the lack of medical attention for soldiers on the battlefield prompted European nations to adopt the Geneva Convention of 1864, forerunner of modern international humanitarian law. Wounded, sick and shipwrecked combatants at sea are protected by the Second Geneva Convention. They receive the same protection as soldiers on land, extended to conditions encountered at sea.