Who are the Protected persons under IHL? Discuss their Rights.

Under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), protected persons are individuals who are entitled to specific rights and protections during armed conflicts. These protections apply to distinct categories of people, including civilians, wounded and sick combatants, prisoners of war, and certain non-combatants such as medical personnel and humanitarian workers. Here is an overview of their rights:

1. Civilians: Civilians are individuals who are not taking a direct part in hostilities. They include civilians living in conflict-affected areas, as well as those detained by parties to the conflict. Civilians have the following rights under IHL:

   • Protection from Direct Attack: Civilians are entitled to protection from direct attack. Parties to the conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants and must not target civilians or civilian objects.
   • Right to Humanitarian Assistance: Civilians have the right to receive humanitarian assistance, including food, medical care, and shelter. Parties to the conflict must allow and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in need.
   • Right to Protection from Displacement: Civilians have the right to remain in their homes and communities and should not be forcibly displaced unless their safety or security is at risk, and displacement is unavoidable for military necessity or for their own protection.

2. Wounded and Sick Combatants: Combatants who are wounded, sick, or shipwrecked during armed conflict are considered protected persons under IHL. Their rights include:

   • Right to Medical Care: Wounded and sick combatants have the right to receive medical care and treatment without adverse distinction based on nationality, affiliation, or any other factor.
   • Protection from Further Harm: Parties to the conflict must take all feasible measures to collect and evacuate the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked promptly and ensure their protection from further harm.
   • Respect for Medical Personnel: Medical personnel, facilities, and transports must be respected and protected at all times. They must not be targeted or subjected to attack.

3. Prisoners of War (POWs): POWs are members of the armed forces who have been captured by the enemy during armed conflict. Their rights are outlined in detail in the Third Geneva Convention and include:

   • Humane Treatment: POWs must be treated humanely and protected against acts of violence, intimidation, and reprisals.
   • Right to Communication: POWs have the right to communicate with their families and receive visits from humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
   • Right to Legal Protections: POWs are entitled to fair and prompt trials if accused of war crimes or other offenses. They have the right to legal representation and the opportunity to challenge their detention.

4. Non-Combatants and Civilian Personnel: Certain non-combatants, such as medical personnel, humanitarian workers, and journalists, are entitled to specific protections under IHL:

   • Right to Safety and Security: Non-combatants must be protected from attack and harm while performing their duties.
   • Right to Access and Assistance: Non-combatants have the right to access conflict-affected areas to provide essential services, such as medical care, humanitarian aid, and reporting on the situation.
   • Respect for Neutrality: Parties to the conflict must respect the neutrality of non-combatants, such as medical facilities and personnel, and refrain from using them for military purposes.

In conclusion, protected persons under IHL are entitled to various rights and protections aimed at safeguarding their lives, dignity, and well-being during armed conflicts. These rights are enshrined in international treaties and customary law and are essential for upholding humanitarian principles and minimizing the impact of conflict on civilians and combatants alike.