What are the Geneva Conventions?

The Geneva Conventions are international treaties that, along with their three additional protocols, form the foundation of international humanitarian law (IHL). They are meant to make wars more humane by establishing international rules that must be followed in any armed conflict.

The Geneva Conventions protect individuals who are not participating in hostilities (civilians, medical personnel, or employees of humanitarian organisations) or who can no longer participate (wounded, sick, and shipwrecked soldiers, as well as prisoners of war).

The provisions of the four conventions from August 12, 1949 concern the wounded and sick of armed forces in the field (Geneva Convention I), the wounded, sick, and shipwrecked of armed forces at sea (Geneva Convention II), the prisoners of war (Geneva Convention III), and civilians in times of war (Geneva Convention IV).

In 1977, they were supplemented by two additional protocols that introduced rules for the treatment of combatants and detailed provisions for internal conflicts into the context of the Geneva Conventions. In 2005, a third additional protocol was adopted to introduce an additional protective emblem.

Be humane even in war

This principle is the guiding principle of the four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949.

Violations of international humanitarian law have dramatic consequences for the civilian population. Governments have contractually committed to upholding their provisions, thereby strengthening individual and collective responsibility. International humanitarian law obliges states to take all necessary legislative and judicial measures to prosecute individuals who have committed serious crimes or ordered their commission. Anyone who violates the conventions commits a violation of international law and faces severe penalties.