Common Article 3

Common Article 3 is a key part of international humanitarian law that applies during armed conflicts, including non-international ones like civil wars. It sets minimum protections for all people who are no longer participating in fighting, such as detainees or those wounded and captured. It prohibits cruel treatment, murder, torture, and taking hostages. It also mandates humane treatment and fair trial procedures. Essentially, it aims to ensure basic human dignity and prevent the worst abuses during conflict, regardless of which side someone is on or the nature of the fighting.