Examine the Geneva Conventions

Overview: What are the Geneva Conventions? Direct students to identify the components of the treaties and determine elements they might add or omit . Have students formulate opinions on whether or not the Geneva Conventions have benefited humanity.

Curriculum connections: International Relations

Objectives
Students will be able to:

• Identify components of the Geneva Conventions.
• Formulate opinions on whether or not the Geneva Conventions have benefited humanity.

Standards
National Council for the Social Studies
IX. Global connections, grades nine -12
High school students should be able to think systematically about personal, national, and global decisions, interactions, and consequences, including addressing critical issues such as peace, human rights, trade and global ecology.

Materials
CNN Student News article, "Backgrounder: Geneva Conventions"
Internet access

Suggested time
Article and questions only: 30 minutes Full lesson plan: Two to three classroom periods

Procedure
1. Have students read the CNN Student News article "Backgrounder: Geneva Conventions," and ask the following:

• What are the Geneva Conventions? What year were the treaties adopted? How many countries have ratified these treaties? What events do you think might have prompted the establishment of these treaties?
• What is the purpose of the conventions? What rights are prisoners of war granted? Why do you think it is significant that the Geneva Conventions are not specific to a conflict? Why is the doctrine named the "Geneva Conventions"?

2. How have world conflicts changed since World War II? What is the definition of the term "humane"? Do you think that there can be such a thing as "humane war"? Discuss.

3. Refer students to print resources and the Web sites below to learn more about the details of the Geneva Conventions, and the rights that prisoners of war are granted under the Conventions. Then, ask: Do you think the Geneva Conventions are useful documents? Why or why not? What are some elements that you would add or take out of the document? Explain.

Assessment
Have students write position essays determining whether or not the Geneva Conventions have benefited humanity. Have students substantiate their opinions with historical fact or current events. Invite students to share their position essays with the class.

Extension
Group students. Have each group come up with a plan for addressing the atrocities of war. Groups may want to consider/recommend an international criminal court, the establishment of a new U.N. agency, individual tribunals, new international laws and any other measures they believe would be useful. Invite students to share their plans with the class.