Since humanity first picked up sticks and stones thousands of years ago, war has brought unspeakable suffering. But over time, the international community has developed rules to limit its brutality and protect those most vulnerable.
At the heart of these efforts are the Geneva Conventions, a series of treaties that define the rights of civilians, prisoners, and wounded soldiers during times of armed conflict. They are used as a measurement to understand how military personnel should conduct themselves during war.
Any violation of the Geneva Conventions is considered a war crime, and can be prosecuted in criminal court. But what exactly can be considered a war crime? What violates the Geneva Conventions? Click through this gallery to find out.