The Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, for the protection of war victims, postulate the principle of humane treatment for man, the victim of war. They afford protection in a specific field, that is to say, they affect only “protected” persons and only in the event of armed conflict of an international character, but not in conflicts which are not international. However, despite their limitations, the Conventions do afford protection in a very important field, in situations involving the greatest risk of suffering for mankind and in which lack of protection could have distressing consequences. It is for this reason that these Conventions are of such great importance. They form a fundamental component in that system of protection of man's basic rights which is gradually being developed through the medium of contemporary international law.