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Happy Birthday to the #GenevaConventions 
71 years ago, the 4 Geneva Conventions of 1949 were adopted. They form the bedrock of international humanitarian law ( #IHL) https://blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/drafting-history-1949-geneva-conventions/
71 years ago, the 4 Geneva Conventions of 1949 were adopted. They form the bedrock of international humanitarian law ( #IHL) https://blogs.icrc.org/cross-files/drafting-history-1949-geneva-conventions/
Fundamentally, #IHL regulates the behaviour of humankind at its worst in the most exceptional of all circumstances— war. Amidst destruction and devastation, #IHL preserves a space for humanity: https://blogs.icrc.org/law-and-policy/2017/11/30/international-humanitarian-law-legal-framework-exceptional-circumstances/ @thodsm
The rules of the #GenevaConventions protect people who:
do not take part in the fighting (civilians, medics, aid workers) +/or
can no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war). https://www.icrc.org/en/document/geneva-conventions-1949-additional-protocols
do not take part in the fighting (civilians, medics, aid workers) +/orcan no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war). https://www.icrc.org/en/document/geneva-conventions-1949-additional-protocols
A major achievement in 1949 was the inclusion of Article 3 common to all 4 Conventions, which provides protections in non-international armed conflicts, so common today: @thodsm https://twitter.com/icrc/status/1285979222343913472
In 1949, in the aftermath of World War II, the Conventions were universally agreed upon by States because they reflect universal values of moral and ethical behavior. They have been ratified by 196 States since. Very few international treaties enjoy this level of support.
In the 1950s, the ICRC published a set of commentaries on the Conventions, giving practical guidance on their implementation. To reflect the developments in law & practice since then, the ICRC is producing a new set of commentaries: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/updated-commentary-third-geneva-convention @JHenckaertsICRC
Today, the key challenge remains their respect. We rightly hear about #IHL violations because their consequences are tragic and visible, but we must also recognize the protective and indeed life-saving effect of daily respect for #IHL: https://ihl-in-action.icrc.org
Unfortunately, #IHL violations are still too frequent. That is why it is so important that States double their commitment to implement, disseminate and enforce the #GenevaConventions: https://blogs.icrc.org/law-and-policy/2020/01/21/bringing-ihl-home-new-years-resolution/
@ejrushing
@ejrushing
Have doubts about whether the Conventions are effective? That international treaties matter? That it’s all worth the effort? Maybe this post will change your mind: https://www.icrc.org/en/document/5-myths-about-geneva-conventions-they-turn-70
