Geneva Convention
The Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols constitute Public International
Law, focusing on Humanitarian Law in armed conflicts. They establish minimum
protections and humane treatment standards for victims, including civilians,
prisoners of war, and incapacitated soldiers. Initiated by the International
Committee for the Red Cross, the first Convention aimed at safeguarding
wounded and sick soldiers. Originating in Geneva, the Conventions expanded after
World War II, entering into force on October 21, 1950, with new treaties
addressing diverse aspects of armed conflict.
The Geneva Conventions of 1949 saw a gradual Increase in ratifications: 74 in the
1950s, 48 in the 1960s, 20 in the 1970s, and another 20 in the 1980s. The early
1990s saw 26 ratifications, notably after the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and
Yugoslavia breakup. Post-2000, seven more countries ratified, totaling 194 States.
While universally ratified, the Additional Protocols from 1977 have 168 States for
Protocol I and 164 for Protocol II, making them widely accepted legal instruments
globally.
Convention I:
This Convention protects wounded and infirm soldiers and medical personnel who
are not taking active part in hostility against a Party. It ensures humane treatment
without discrimination founded on race, color, sex, religion or faith, birth or
wealth, etc. To that end, the Convention prohibits torture, assaults upon personal
dignity, and execution without judgment (Article 3). It also grants the right to
proper medical treatment and care.
Convention II:
This agreement extended the protections described in the first Convention to
shipwrecked soldiers and other naval forces, including special protections afforded
to hospital ships.
