Geneva Convention

Geneva Convention is a series of international treaties that dictate the treatment of wounded, sick, or shipwrecked members of armed forces, prisoners of war, and civilians during times of war. The conventions were held in Geneva, Switzerland, and have been universally ratified by all countries.

History

The first Geneva Convention was held in 1864, initiated by Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman who was horrified by the lack of care for wounded soldiers during the Battle of Solferino. The convention established the International Committee of the Red Cross and set the groundwork for future conventions.

The second Geneva Convention in 1906 expanded on the first, including the treatment of wounded, sick, and shipwrecked military personnel at sea. The third Geneva Convention in 1929 outlined the treatment of prisoners of war.

The fourth and most recent Geneva Convention was held in 1949, following the atrocities of World War II. It expanded the protections to include civilians during times of war.

Principles

The Geneva Conventions are based on several key principles. These include the protection of civilians, the humane treatment of wounded soldiers and prisoners of war, and the prohibition of torture. The conventions also establish the Red Cross as a neutral party to provide aid during conflicts.

Violations

Violations of the Geneva Conventions are considered war crimes. These can include deliberate attacks on civilians, torture, taking hostages, and not providing fair trials for prisoners of war. The International Criminal Court can prosecute individuals for these crimes.

See also

• International humanitarian law
• War crime
• International Criminal Court
• Red Cross

External links

• Full text of the Geneva Conventions

Geneva Convention Resources
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