Geneva Convention
The so-called Geneva Convention actually consists of four different conventions (sets of agreed upon norms, rules and customs) that pertain to the treatment of non-combatants during wartime and smaller conflicts. These are sets of mutually agreed upon international laws governing the treatment of persons in warfare that is designed to promote chivalry and minimize damage to properties and sufferings to civilian populations. The Geneva Conventions is slightly different from the Hague Conventions which specifically deals with the laws of war such as the choice of designating legitimate military targets and means of destruction allowed by warring armies. It is the International Committee of the Red Cross or Red Crescent (in Muslim areas) that is charged with enforcing the rules of the Geneva Convention whether in international or local conflicts such as civil wars.
Federal Arrestees
In addition to the four conventions are the 3 Protocols or informal or tentative drafts that are amendments to the Geneva Conventions that are designed to govern other aspects of warfare such as the wearing of military uniforms and exemption from certain crimes committed by soldiers. It further defines regular military personnel who are non-combatants such as chaplains and medical staff (doctors and nurses). There is no comprehensive agreement on whether to confer “combatant status and privileges” (important in case of capture) to certain non-uniformed guerrillas (and whether these are legitimate insurgents fighting for freedom or ideological terrorists who sow fear).