Civilians protected under international humanitarian law During
the past 60 years the main victims of war have been civilians.
The protection of civilians during armed conflict is therefore a
cornerstone of international humanitarian law. This protection
extends to their public and private property. IHL also
identifies and protects particularly vulnerable civilian groups
such as women, children and the displaced. During World War II,
and in many of the conflicts since, civilians have been the main
victims of armed conflict. Civilians have always suffered in
war, but the brutal impact of World War II, which included mass
extermination, indiscriminate attacks, deportations, hostage
taking, pillage and internment, took a high toll of civilian
life. The response of the international community was the Fourth
Geneva Convention adopted in 1949. Before 1949 the Geneva
Conventions protected wounded, sick, shipwrecked and captured
combatants. The “civilians’ convention” recognized the changing
nature of warfare and est