How does international humanitarian law address the protection of civilian population and their properties under the four Geneva Conventions 1949 and their two additional protocols of 1977?

International humanitarian law, as outlined in the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two additional protocols of 1977, specifically addresses the protection of civilian populations and their properties during armed conflicts.

The Geneva Conventions and their protocols establish rules and principles that govern the conduct of parties involved in armed conflicts, with the primary aim of protecting civilians and minimizing their suffering. These rules include:

1. Distinction between civilians and combatants: The Geneva Conventions require parties to a conflict to distinguish between civilians and combatants at all times, and to direct their attacks only against military objectives. Deliberate attacks on civilians or civilian objects are prohibited.

2. Prohibition of indiscriminate attacks: Parties to a conflict are prohibited from conducting attacks that are not directed at a specific military objective or that cannot be directed at a specific military objective. Indiscriminate attacks that may harm civilians or civilian objects are strictly prohibited.

3. Protection of civilian property: The Geneva Conventions require parties to a conflict to respect and protect civilian property, including homes, schools, hospitals, and cultural heritage sites. Pillaging, looting, and destruction of civilian property are prohibited.

4. Prohibition of forced displacement: Parties to a conflict are prohibited from forcibly displacing civilians from their homes or communities, except for reasons of their own safety or for imperative military reasons.

5. Humanitarian assistance: The Geneva Conventions recognize the right of civilians to receive humanitarian assistance during armed conflicts. Parties to a conflict are required to allow and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in need.

6. Protection of specific groups: The Geneva Conventions provide special protections for certain groups of civilians, such as children, women, and the elderly, who may be particularly vulnerable during armed conflicts.

Overall, the Geneva Conventions and their protocols aim to ensure the protection of civilian populations and their properties during armed conflicts, and to uphold the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality in the conduct of hostilities. Violations of these rules constitute war crimes and can be prosecuted under international law.

Protection of Civilians and Their Properties under International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

Geneva Conventions of 1949:

- Fourth Geneva Convention:
- Prohibits willful killing, torture, or inhuman treatment of civilians.
- Protects civilians from collective punishment, hostage-taking, and arbitrary detention.
- Establishes minimum standards for their treatment in occupied territories, including access to food, water, and medical care.

Additional Protocols of 1977:

Protocol I (Concerning International Armed Conflicts):

- Article 51: Defines civilians as persons who do not take part directly in hostilities.
- Article 54: Protects civilians from indiscriminate attacks and reprisals.
- Article 55: Prohibits attacks on civilians who are not actively participating in hostilities.
- Article 56: Requires states to take precautions to avoid or minimize civilian casualties during military operations.

Protocol II (Concerning Internal Armed Conflicts):

- Article 13: Prohibits indiscriminate attacks and reprisals.
- Article 14: Protects civilians from violence to their lives, health, and dignity.
- Article 15: Prohibits attacks on essential civilian objects, such as hospitals, schools, and places of worship.

Property Protection:

- Fourth Geneva Convention:
- Prohibits the destruction, damage, or theft of civilian property.
- Exceptions include military necessity or when absolutely necessary for security reasons.

- Additional Protocols:
- Protocol I, Article 54: Prohibits indiscriminate attacks and reprisals that cause excessive damage to civilian property.
- Protocol II, Article 14: Prohibits attacks on essential civilian objects, including property necessary for civilian survival.

Additional Measures:

- Responsibility of States: States are responsible for preventing and punishing violations of IHL.
- Accountability: Individuals who commit IHL violations can be held criminally responsible.
- Humanitarian Assistance: IHL allows and encourages the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in need.
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): IHL protects IDPs from violence, forced eviction, and other abuses.