A prisoner of war (POW) is a person who is captured and held by an enemy during an armed conflict. Typically, prisoners of war are members of the armed forces, militias, or resistance movements who have been taken into custody by opposing forces. POWs are usually held in camps, prisons, or other secure facilities to prevent their participation in further hostilities.
The treatment of prisoners of war is governed by international law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which set standards for their humane treatment. These include provisions for adequate food, shelter, medical care, and communication with family members. Torture, humiliation, or any form of mistreatment is prohibited under these laws.
The purpose of detaining POWs is not to punish them but to remove them from the battlefield while the conflict is ongoing. Once hostilities end, POWs are typically repatriated to their home countries.