UN chief: Protect civilians in conflicts

UNITED NATIONS: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon marked the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions on Wednesday with a plea to all countries to take steps to ensure that civilians and other non-combatants are protected during armed conflicts.

Ban reaffirmed the "enduring significance and relevance" of the conventions "for the protection of human life and dignity" during hostilities.

The 1949 Geneva Conventions, and their additional protocols, specifically protect people who are not taking part in armed conflicts - civilians, health workers, aid workers, sick or wounded soldiers, and prisoners of war.