Geneva, << juh NEE vuh, >> Conventions provide for the humane treatment of civilians, prisoners, and wounded people during wartime. The first Geneva Convention, or Treaty, was signed in 1864. It was accepted by all European countries, by the United States, and by some countries in Asia and South America. Agreements in 1906, 1929, 1949, and 1977 added new provisions.
The Geneva Conventions provide rules for the treatment of wounded and sick military personnel in the field; for the care of wounded, sick, and shipwrecked members of the armed forces at sea; and for the humane treatment of prisoners of war. According to the conventions, prisoners of war must not be subjected to violence, torture, cruelty, humiliation, or scientific experimentation. The conventions also provide for the protection of civilians and members of militias and volunteer corps during wartime. In addition, the conventions provide methods for identifying the dead and wounded, and for sending information to the families of the dead and wounded. Procedures for protecting hospitals and medical transports—including their proper marking with a red cross—are also set forth in the Geneva Conventions. Many violations of the conventions are considered war crimes and are punishable under international law.
Many nations have incorporated the Geneva Conventions into their military policies. The United States has traditionally upheld the conventions in standard military conflicts. However, since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States, many U.S. officials have argued that the conventions’ protections do not apply to people associated with terrorist groups.
