Under the Law of War, which groups receive fundamental protections when they fall into enemy hands (POWs, civilians, and the sick)?

• A. Civilians only
• B. The sick only
• C. POWs, Civilians, and Sick
• D. Medical personnel only

Answer: (C)

Under the Law of War, individuals who fall into enemy hands are protected as protected persons. Prisoners of war must be treated humanely and shielded from violence, coercion, and degradation; they are entitled to adequate food, shelter, medical care, and the possibility to communicate with family, with repatriation when hostilities end. Civilians are safeguarded from violence, intimidation, arbitrary detention, and collective punishment; their basic needs and dignity must be respected, even in occupied territory. The sick and wounded—and the medical personnel and facilities that care for them—are protected to receive medical care without interference, and medical units must be spared from attack.

These protections apply to all three groups, so the best choice is the one that includes POWs, civilians, and the sick.