How many separate international treaties make up the Geneva Conventions of 1949?

The Geneva Conventions of 1949 are composed of four separate international treaties. These treaties were established to set the standards for international law for humanitarian concerns, particularly during armed conflicts. Each of the four conventions addresses different aspects of the treatment of individuals during wartime, including the protection of wounded soldiers, shipwrecked sailors, prisoners of war, and civilians.

The first convention focuses on the care for the wounded and sick in armed forces in the field. The second extends protections to those at sea. The third convention pertains to the treatment of prisoners of war, and the fourth delineates the protections for civilians in times of war. This structure plays a crucial role in maintaining humanitarian standards and mitigating suffering during conflicts, underscoring the significance of each treaty within the larger framework of international humanitarian law.