international humanitarian law is founded upon the geneva conventions, the first of which was signed in 1864 by 16 countries. the first geneva convention of 1949 covers the protection for the wounded and sick of armed conflict on land. the second geneva convention asks for the protection and care for the wounded, sick and shipwrecked of armed conflict at sea. the third geneva convention concerns the treatment of prisoners of war. the fourth geneva convention concerns the protection of civilians in time of war. in addition, there are many more customary international laws that come into effect when necessary.