Geneva Convention
Origin of the Geneva Convention
Before the treaties known as the Geneva Conventions were written, there was no international standard for humanitarian treatment in war. These four treaties outlined the basic rights of not only Prisoners of War, but also non-combatant civilians and wounded soldiers. The last two treaties, written in 1929 and 1949, are the first to specifically mention the treatment of Prisoners of War.
"Prisoners of war are in the power of the hostile Government, but not of the individuals or formation which captured them.
They shall at all times be humanely treated and protected, particularly against acts of violence, from insults and from public curiosity.
Measures of reprisal against them are forbidden."
-Article 2. of the Third Geneva Convention