Protocol I was signed in the year June 8, 1977. It is concerned with the security of fatalities of international armed conflicts. It has added new explanations and provisions in the Geneva Convention of 1949. Since, it was essential to amend the rules or provisions written in the Geneva Conventions due to development in technologies of new international warfare. It had been ratified by 168 countries until 2007.
Protocol I has 102 Articles. Protocol I reasserts the provisions of earlier Geneva Conventions.
The following most essential provisions are added :
- According to Article 51 and 54, indiscriminate attack on civilian populations, and demolition of property, water, food, and any other material required for endurance is illegal. Indiscriminate attack means directly attacking to civilian targets and also using weapons (like biological and nuclear), and mines whose scale of devastation cannot be restricted.
- According to Article 53 and 56, it is illegal to attack on nuclear power stations, place of worship, dams, and dikes.
- According to Article 15, 76, 77, and 79, special protections should be provided for medical personnel, children, women, and also journalists.
- According to Article 77, persons below the age of 15 should not be allowed to work in armed forces and to take part voluntarily.
- According to Article 35, arms (weapons) that can cause severe, long-term, and widespread damage to the natural environment must be banned.
- According to Article 85, use of the protective symbols identified by the Geneva Conventions to betray the rival forces are a war crime.
According to Article 17 and 81, national societies, ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross), or other neutral humanitarian organizations are authorized to give aid to the victims of war.
