Geneva+Convention

Created by Justin Williams On 10/31/06 GENEVA **CONVENTIONS FACT SHEET** ** Geneva Conventions ** (also mistakenly known as the Geneva Convention) consist of four treaties adopted at different times which set the international standard for humanitarian treatment. ** First Convention: ** Created in 1864, the treaty sets the standard for the treatment of wounded and dead soldiers on the battlefield. This treaty is also known as the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Annies in the Field, 1864. The main points are: The sick and wounded must be cared for adequately. Belligerents must treat members of the enemy force who are wounded or sick humanely. All efforts should be made to collect the dead quickly; to confirm death by medical examination; to identify bodies and protect them from robbery. Medical equipment must not be intentionally destroyed and medical establishments and vehicles must not be attacked, damaged or prevented from operating even if, for the moment, they do not contain patients. ** Second Convention: ** Created in 1906. Also known as the Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea. Essentially extends the provisions of the First Convention to shipwrecked soldiers. ** Third Convention: ** Created in 1949. Also known as the Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, it establishes the guidelines for the treatment of prisoners who fall into the hands of enemy combatants. The Convention provides for basic humane treatment, including the right to food, medical treatment, and correspondence with loved ones, as well as. Additionally, POW's cannot be coerced into giving information to enemy combatants or forced, to do dangerous work. The Convention also guarantees the duty to inform the Red Cross of their capture. ** Fourth Geneva Convention: ** Created in 1949. Also known as the Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, it covers all individuals "who do not belong to the armed forces, take no part in the hostilities and find themselves in the hands of the Enemy or an Occupying Power". Protected civilians must be treated humanely, with the right to exchange family news and practice religion. Civilians must also not be discriminated against because of race, religion, etc., used to either shield military operations or make an area immune from operations, or punished for an offense she has not personally committed. Women must not be raped.or forced into prostitution. Bush and company have fallen under criticism because or their interpretation of detainees as "unlawful combatants." These combatants would not be guaranteed the same rights granted POW's or to protected civilians under the Third and Fourth Geneva Conventions. As such, they can be detained indefinitely without due process.
 * The Bush Administration and the Geneva Conventions: **