In today's wars, civilians suffer the most.

Understanding this, governments from around the world adopted new rules of international law in 1977 to improve the protection that civilians are entitled to in wartime. Known as Protocols I and II additional to the Geneva Conventions, these rules placed limits on the way wars may be fought. They were especially created to deal with the changing nature of armed conflict and advances in weapons technology.

The duty to distinguish between civilians and combatants is a key feature of the Additional Protocols. They say that all sides of an armed conflict must draw this distinction and that no one may target civilians. The warring parties must also distinguish between civilian objects, such as homes and places of worship, and military targets.

Statements made and opinions expressed in these short films are those of the people interviewed and not necessarily those of the ICRC.
Images: ICRC (Nadège images, ICRC and Médecins Sans Frontières.)

A child reunited with his family ending five years of separation. (VIDEO)

A rape victim copes with the traumatic consequences. (VIDEO)

A young shepherd begins rehabilitation after stepping on a landmine. (VIDEO)

A boy shot while playing football in the street. (VIDEO)

A first-aid volunteer describes working under fire. (VIDEO)

An army corporal committed to respecting the rules of war. (VIDEO)