Under the terms of the definition contained in Additional protocol I with the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the expression “ protective Puissance ” gets along of a neutral State or another State not Partie with the conflict which, indicated by a Part with the conflict and accepted by the Opposing party, is laid out to exert the functions assigned with the protective Power under the terms of Geneva Conventions of 1949 and of Additional protocol I.

At the time of an armed conflict, the belligerents can profit from the support of protective powers. They are authorized countries, under the terms of Geneva Conventions of 1949, to carry out certain tasks during the conflict. The protective powers, under the terms of article 8 of Convention III of Geneva, safeguard the interests of the belligerents. The tasks reserved for the protective powers can be implemented by the ICRC if the parts with the conflict do not manage to agree on the choice of the protective powers. The protective powers play a part of intermediary between the parts in conflict, and ensure the respect of the right Humanitaire.