Both soldiers and civilians are protected under the Geneva Conventions. An attempt to limit the damage done by war, and reduce suffering.
The 4 Geneva Conventions:
• Protects the sick, wounded, medical and religious personnel during conflict
• Care for the wounded, sick and shipwrecked during war at sea
• Treat prisoners of war with humanity
• Protect all civilians, including those in occupied territory
From these conventions come the rule of war. They are universal. All sides in conflicts have to follow them.
The basic rules:
• Civilians can never be targeted
• The sick and wounded have a right to be cared for - no matter whose side they are on
• Medics and aid workers should be protected
• The things civilians need for survival - like food and water - should not be denied or destroyed
• Prisoners deserve fair treatment. They must not be tortured or abused
• Weapons which cause excessive or untargeted damage should be limited
• Rape and other forms of sexual violence are expressly forbidden
BREAKING THESE RULES IS A WAR CRIME".