Geneva Conventions (1864-1949)

About

The Geneva Conventions are a set of international treaties that establish the rules for conduct during armed conflicts, focusing on protecting human rights in conflict zones. The first Geneva Convention, adopted in 1864, was a response to the suffering witnessed during the Battle of Solferino by Henry Dunant, who advocated for rules to limit the effects of war. This initial treaty set the basis for international law regarding the protection of victims of armed conflicts, including the wounded and those providing medical care. Over time, the Geneva Conventions evolved, with significant revisions in 1906, 1929, and 1949. The 1949 Conventions expanded protections to include civilians, prisoners of war, and those no longer participating in hostilities. These treaties also introduced additional protocols in 1977 and 2005 to further safeguard victims of armed conflicts. The Geneva Conventions are foundational to international humanitarian law, emphasizing principles of humanity, impartiality, and neutrality to limit the impact of war on civilians and combatants alike.