Backgrounder: Geneva Conventions

The Geneva Conventions are a group of treaties, or written contracts, governing the treatment of members of the military, civilians and prisoners in times of war. The four conventions were adopted in 1949, and put into use in 1950.

EXTRA INFORMATION • Overview: Geneva Conventions  • Summary: United Nations Agreements on Human Rights

The number of countries that have ratified the 1949 Geneva Convention stands at 189.

What do they do?

The conventions attempt to safeguard human dignity in war situations, and they govern the treatment of wounded and sick members of the armed forces in the field and at sea, prisoners of war and civilians in wars and armed conflicts.

Under the Geneva Conventions, prisoners of war must, among other things, be treated humanely at all times. They must be protected against acts of violence, intimidation and public curiosity. POW housing standards should be consistent with the housing standards of the soldiers of the detaining power, and their health should be carefully looked after.

The nation or power that holds prisoners of war is justified in taking disciplinary measures if prisoners commit any offense, but the prisoner should never be tried by a court that does not offer the essential guarantees of independence and impartiality. Also, any prisoner facing a court is entitled to legal counsel of his or her choosing, and also can have access to the services of a competent interpreter.

Before the adoption of the Geneva Conventions, all treaties that dealt with the protection of war victims and civilians were in force only during specific conflicts and then became void. The Geneva Conventions are meant to bind many nations together with multilateral treaties and are always in force during any war or armed conflict.

Why are they named the Geneva Conventions?

In 1864 the Swiss government agreed to hold a diplomatic conference in the city of Geneva. Twelve governments took part in the meeting, and they adopted an internationally prepared treaty entitled "Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in the Armies in the Field." It was the first treaty that dealt with international humanitarian law. Over the years, other provisions have been added to the original conventions. Following World War II, for instance, four conventions were added to protect civilians.