Do the Geneva Conventions Matter? A Reality Check on the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions

Описание: The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 turn seventy on 12 August 2019. 70 years is a moment to celebrate. The Geneva are more than just international treaties; they have become the symbol par excellence of humanity in warfare. Yet numerous are conflicts in which the Geneva Conventions are not respected. Atrocities are being committed, rights of combatants and civilians disregarded. Moreover, new technologies with uncertain effects on human dignity, such as autonomous weapons, are emerging. This raises a pressing question: Do the Geneva Conventions actually matter? Do they really have an impact on behaviour in war? 70 years after their adoption, are the Geneva Conventions ready for retirement or is their legacy just getting started?

This Reality Check was joined by:
Professor Matthew Evangelista, President White Professor of History and Political Science, Cornell University and co-editor of the book ‘Do the Geneva Conventions Matter?’ (OUP, 2017); Ms Jelena Pejic, Senior Legal Adviser, Legal Division, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); Colonel Jerry Lane, Director of the Legal Service, Irish Defence Forces.

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