V. THE LAW WHICH OPERATES TO THE BENEFIT OF
CIVILIANS DURING INTERNATIONAL ARMED CONFLICT, NO
MATTER WHERE THEY ARE IN THE CONFLICT AREA
A. Protection of the Entire Population: Although the Fourth Geneva Convention
was the first law of war treaty devoted exclusively to the protection of civilians,
only Part I1 of the treaty applies to every civilian in the area of conflict.
- Article 15 of GC: Provides for, but does not mandate, the establishment of
"neutralized zones" (temporary zones in the area of combat) to shelter from
the effects of war:
a. Wounded and sick combatants and non-combatants;
b. Civilian persons who take no part in hostilities, and who, while they
reside in the zones, perform no work of a military character.
- Article 14 of GC: Provides for, but does not mandate, the establishment of
"hospital/safety zones" (Permanent structures establish outside combat area)
to shelter from the effects of war "Special Needs" civilians:
a. Mothers of children under seven;
b. Wounded, sick, and infirm;
c. Aged;
d. Children under the age of 15; and
e. Expectant mothers.
B. Further Protections of the Entire Population: In addition to providing for the
establishment of these "protected" zones, Part I1 also mandates the following
protections:
- The wounded, sick, infirm and expectant mothers must be "respected and
protected" by all parties to the conflict at all times. GC, Art 16.
- Agreements should be reached to allow for removal of special needs
individuals from besieged areas and the passage of ministers and medical
personnel to such areas. GC, Art. 17.
- Civilian Hospitals shall not be the object of attack. GC, Art. 18.
