The Geneva Conventions
The Geneva Conventions are international treaties binding on all States which have accepted them.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
In 1859 Henry Dunant, a Swiss citizen, witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino and was horrified by the sight of thousands of wounded soldiers lying helpless and abandoned with no one to care for them. This experience led him to suggest the setting up of voluntary relief societies who could be trained, during peacetime, to care for the wounded in time of war. He also called for an international agreement to be drawn up to protect the wounded, and those who looked after them, from further attack. In 1863 Henri Dunant arranged an unofficial international conference at which it was agreed that each country should form a relief organisation capable of assisting the Army Medical Services in wartime. This was how the Red Cross began … (full long text). Find the other chapters in the left column of this website of the Peace Pledge Union; l
More websites about – The Geneva Conventions:
- on The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions,
- (Frontpage in 7 languages);
- the core of international humanitarian law, 1-09-2006;
- on the 1949 Conventions & Additional Protocols, and Overview;
- A Reference Guide;
- The Citizens’ Interfaith Coalition to Reaffirm and Extend the Geneva Conventions;
- Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Adopted on 12 August 1949;
- on the Avalon Project;
- on Red Cross.lv;
- on wikipedia: and the Third Geneva Convention on wikipedia;
- and on Google News-search of Sept. 14, 2008.