DPWCEAC: Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict, 1976

This Declaration was proclaimed by the General Assembly in 1974, motivated by deep concern about the sufferings of women and children in situations of emergency and armed conflict. It seeks to reinforce and extend protections of the civilian population already mandated by international humanitarian law. It prohibits attacks and bombings, the use of chemical and bacteriological weapons, and the use of torture, persecution, punitive measures, repression, degrading treatment, violence and cruel and inhuman treatment, especially against that part of the civilian population that consists of women and children. It also requires that women and children caught up in armed conflict not be deprived of shelter, food, medical aid or other inalienable rights.