The Geneva Conventions

1. The Geneva Conventions

2. What is it? • International law that regulates the conduct of armed conflict and seeks to limit its effects • They specifically protect people who are not taking part in the fighting (civilians, health workers and aid workers) and those who are no longer participating in the fighting, such as wounded, sick and shipwrecked soldiers and prisoners of war

3. How does it Work? • Four conventions that list the rules of war, such as what can and can’t be done, and it applies to all countries during a war • 1st Convention- Conditions of wounded or sick armed forces in battle • 2nd Convention- Conditions of wounded or sick armed forces on ships or water • 3rd Convention- Treatment of Prisoners of War • 4th Convention- Treatment of civilians during war

4. The Mission • The goal of The Geneva Conventions is to keep civilians in a war unharmed and the prisoners of war to be treated fairly with their rights

5. History • Henry Dunant was walking through Italy after a battle in June 1859 • He thought it was unfair for the wounded soldiers to be left there to die • He published a book in 1862 about the soldiers • He founded the international committee for relief to the wounded which later became the red cross • 4 conferences were held in Geneva to make the rules of war • All the rules were affirmed and in use after WWII

6. Why Is it still Important? • It prevents total war • Civilians can’t be wrongfully hurt in anyway • Prisoners of war still have there rights and can still have communication • It creating the red cross which we still use today and is helpful.

7. How did it fail? • Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse • Death of Manadel al-Jamadi, a prisoner, was charged as a homicide on the U.S. army • This violates the 4th Geneva Convention because it is unfair treatment of civilians during war