August 12, 2007 marks the 58th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the 'rules of war' that protect victims of armed conflict. Together with the Additional Protocols, the Geneva Conventions form the core of International Humanitarian Law.
Despite unfortunate violations of IHL, the Geneva Conventions continue to secure the protection of a great number of sick and wounded combatants, prisoners of war and make possible the provision of humanitarian assistance to victims of armed conflict. Last year the Conventions achieved universal acceptance, representing a landmark in the development of IHL.
The 58th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions offers the chance to reflect on the humanitarian principles that the Conventions embody and their relevance in situations of contemporary armed conflict.
The Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949
There are four Geneva Conventions. 194 Nation States have agreed to be bound by these Conventions. The rules provided for in the Geneva Conventions have been developed and enhanced by two Additional Protocols, adopted in 1977.
First Geneva Convention of 1949 (first adopted 1864):
Geneva Convention for the amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field
The First Geneva Convention provides for the protection of wounded and sick members of armed forces on land. This protection is extended to medical personnel attached to the armed forces, medical equipment, transports and sites. Religious personnel are also protected. The neutral symbol of the red cross or red crescent identifies and protects medical services of armed forces.
Complete text of the First Geneva Convention
Second Geneva Convention of 1949 (first adopted 1906):
Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea
The Second Geneva Convention protects wounded, sick and shipwrecked members of armed forces at sea. It contains provisions similar to those in the First Geneva Convention.
Complete text of the Second Geneva Convention
Third Geneva Convention of 1949 (first adopted 1929):
Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War
The Third Geneva Convention deals with the classification and treatment of prisoners of war (POWs). It addition to codifying minimum standards for humane treatment, the Convention outlines a process of repatriation for POWs following the end of a conflict. The Third Geneva Convention also grants specific duties for neutral humanitarian organisations in relation to POWs.
Complete text of the Third Geneva Convention
Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 (first adopted 1949):
Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War
It is a fundamental principle of IHL that those engaged in conflict must distinguish between combatants (who are legitimate targets) and the civilian population (who are not). The Fourth Geneva Convention requires that State's respect and protect civilians who find themselves living in conflict zones. To this end, the Convention prohibits, amongst other things, violence to life and person, the taking of hostages, deportations, degrading treatment, and the passing of sentences by an unregulated court.
Complete text of the Fourth Geneva Convention
For more information on the Geneva Conventions, see the Geneva Conventions section of the ICRC website.
