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The Geneva Conventions of 1949

The four Geneva Conventions of 1949, on which the action of the ICRC is based, reaffirm the respect due to the human person in time of armed conflict. They provide that persons taking no direct part in hostilities and those placed hors de combat by sickness, wounds or captivity, shall be protected and that those who suffer shall be assis- ted and cared for without any distinction. Practically every State in the world has ratified or acceded to the Conventions.

The following are protected by the First Convention:

Military wounded and sick, medical personnel, chaplains;

the Second Convention: Wounded, sick, medical personnel,

chaplains of armed forces at sea,

the shipwrecked;

the Third Convention: Prisoners of war;

the Fourth Convention: Civilians in enemy or occupied

territory.

The States party to the Conventions pledge themselves to:

care for friends and enemies alike,

respect the human person, his honour, family rights, religious convictions and the dignity of women,

authorize the delegates of the ICRC to visit prisoner-of-war ånd civilian internment camps and to speak without witness with persons under detention,,

prohibit inhuman or degrading treatment, the taking of hosta- ges, mass extermination, torture, summary executions, deportations, pillage, and the wanton destruction of private property.

Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions

Despite the care taken in drafting the four Conventions, experience since 1949 showed that they did not cover the suffering caused by the various kinds of conflicts, and that they needed to be supplemen ted and developed. This has now been done with the adoption on 8 June 1977, by a diplomatic Conference in Geneva, of two proto- cols:

Protocol I, applicable to international armed conflicts The most important improvements made by Protocol I are in extend- ing the applicability of the Conventions (and Protocol I), and espe- cially in increasing the protection of the civilian population against the effects of hostilities. Medical personnel, hospitals and ambulan- ces also receive greater protection.

Protocol II, applicable to non-international armed con- flicts

Protocol II extends Article 3 common to the four Geneva Conven- tions (non-international armed conflicts) with detailed provisions aimed, above all, at protecting the wounded, sick and shipwrecked, the civilian population in general and, more especially, those civi- lians deprived of their freedom.

See:

The Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, 245 p. Summary for Members of the Armed Forces and the General Public, 1951, 13 p.

The Protocols additional to the Geneva Conventions of August 12, 1949, 1977, 124 p.

The International Red Cross

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INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS (Founder body.

neutral intermediary

in cases of conflict

The International Red Cross is composed of:

1. The International Committee of the Red Cross, founded in 1863, a neutral institution and the guardian of the Red Cross principles.

2. The League of Red Cross Societies, founded in 1919, the federation of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

3. The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, duly recognized by the ICRC, with a membership of over 250 million.

STATES PARTY

TO THE GENEVA CONVENTIONS

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF

▶ THE RED CROSS

(Red Cross Parliament)

NATIONAL RED CROSS

AND RED

CRESCENT

SOCIETIES

LEAGUE

OF RED CROSS SOCIETIES (Federation of National Societiesi

The International Conference of the Red Cross

is the highest deliberative assembly and normally meets every four years. It is compo- sed of delegations of mem- bers of the International Red Cross and of Governments party to the Geneva Conven- tions. It considers general problems and adopts resolu- tions and recommendations.

It appoints a Standing Com- mission which holds meet- ings in the intervals between Conferences.

See: International Red Cross Handbook.

To find out more about the Red Cross

read:

the Annual Reports of the ICRC

subscribe to:

the International Review of the Red Cross (every 2 months). Yearly subscriptions Swiss francs 30.-

apply to:

ICRC, Information Department

17, avenue de la Paix

1202 GENEVA, Switzerland

Basic Red Cross Principles

adopted by the XXth International Conference of the Red Cross (Vienna, October 1965).

Humanity. The Red Cross, born of a desire to render assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours in its international and national capacity to prevent and alleviate human suffering whatever the circumstances. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality. It makes no discrimination as to nationa- lity, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours only to relieve suffering, giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality. In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence. The Red Cross is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanita- rian services of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with Red Cross princi- ples.

Voluntary Service. The Red Cross is a voluntary relief organization in no way prompted by a desire for gain. Unity. There can be only one Red Cross Society in any one country. It must be open to all and it must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. Universality. The Red Cross is a world-wide institution in which all Societies have the same rights and the duty of helping each other.

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Principles

Organization

Activities

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RED CROSS

ICRC

Published in English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Portuguese, Italian and Japanese.

INTER ARMA CARITAS

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