The Geneva Conventions turn 70
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| Destruction of city of Cologne during World War II |
The Geneva Conventions mark their 70th anniversary on
Monday. Pope Francis has said he hopes this anniversary will “make states
increasingly aware of the indispensable need to protect the life and dignity of
victims of armed conflict”.
By Vatican News
The Geneva Conventions is a unique set of agreements,
treaties and protocols. Sometimes known as “the laws of war”, it is also the
only universally ratified treaty in the world.
Who the Geneva
Conventions protect
In the preamble to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, signatory
nations clearly state their “earnest wish to see peace prevail among peoples”.
By signing these agreements, every country in the world commits itself to
safeguarding people not taking part in hostilities, protecting the sick and
wounded, and respecting the basic rights of wartime prisoners.
The Fourth Geneva Convention deals in detail with the
question of hostage taking, unlawful deportation and torture. Later treaties
relate specifically to the prohibition of anti-personnel landmines.
What the Geneva
Conventions mean today
Rapidly changing technologies mean the way war is conducted
in the 21st century has changed radically since 1949. The
Geneva Conventions remain the cornerstone of international humanitarian law. In
many places they still provide the only legal protection for civilians caught
up in a conflict zone. The attacking of civilians, according to the
Conventions, constitutes a war crime. Anywhere.
Why Pope Francis
praised the Geneva Conventions
Speaking before the Angelus in St Peter’s Square on Sunday,
Pope Francis described the Geneva Conventions as “important international legal
instruments which impose limits on the use of force”. All countries are
required to observe these limits, he continued: “protecting unarmed populations
and civil structures, especially hospitals, places of worship, and refugee
camps”. “Let us not forget that war and terrorism are always a serious loss for
humanity”, said the Pope, adding spontaneously: “they are the great defeat of
humanity”.
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