The 1949 Geneva Conventions

Abstract The four Geneva Conventions, adopted in 1949, remain the fundamental basis of contemporary international humanitarian law. They protect the wounded on the battlefield, those wounded or shipwrecked at sea, prisoners of war, and civilians in time of war. However, since they were adopted, warfare has changed considerably. This book investigates the application of the Geneva Conventions and explains how they should be interpreted today. It considers the Conventions in light of the developing obligations imposed by international law on states, armed groups, and individuals, most notably through international human rights law and international criminal law. This commentary adopts a thematic approach while providing detailed analysis of all the relevant Articles of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.