The Geneva Conventions, consisting of three protocols and four additional treaties, set the ethical standards for conduct during warfare. These conventions, which originated in 1864, were significantly revised in 1949.
The Geneva Convention is a crucial subject in the world history section of the UPSC Mains Exam .
Throughout history, the rules of war have varied greatly, with some civilizations, like the Babylonians, being known for their exemplary conduct, while others, such as the Roman Empire and the Mongols, were infamous for their ruthless destruction of entire cities and populations. This changed with the arrival of Henry Durant.
Henry Durant was a Swiss businessman who met with Napolean II, the nephew of Napolean Bonaparte , regarding a business venture in northern Italy. During this time, he witnessed the aftermath of the bloody Battle of Solferino, a significant event during the Unification of Italy .
Durant was deeply affected by what he saw, which led him to propose a solution to the violence of war – the formation of a volunteer group trained to aid both civilians and soldiers affected by war.
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Durant's suggestion led to the formation of an early version of the Red Cross. In October 1863, representatives from 16 nations met in Geneva to discuss the conditions for humanitarian treatment during war. The outcome was a treaty, known as the First Geneva Convention, signed by 12 nations.
The Swiss government called for another convention to review and improve the first Geneva Convention. The amendments included protection for wounded or captured prisoners of war and safety measures for medical personnel involved in treating, evacuating, and handling the dead and wounded.
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