The Geneva Conventions form the core of international humanitarian law, setting forth the fundamental humanitarian standards that must be upheld during armed conflict. Designed to alleviate suffering and protect human dignity in times of war, these treaties represent a visionary step forward in human history.

Over the decades, the Geneva Conventions have provided a vital bulwark against the atrocities of war, saving millions of lives. More than 160 years after the First Geneva Convention, they remain a beacon of hope and protection in a world beset by constant conflict.

Origins of the Geneva Conventions: a visionary humanitarian response

The story of the Geneva Conventions began in 1859 with Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman. While on a trip to northern Italy, Dunant witnessed the horrors of the Battle of Solferino. Deeply moved by the suffering of the wounded left untreated, he wrote 'A Memory of Solferino'. This book proposed two revolutionary ideas: creating relief societies to care for the war-wounded in each country and concluding an international agreement to protect the wounded and medical personnel.

These visionary proposals led to the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1863. The following year, Switzerland organised a diplomatic conference that resulted in the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded in Armies in the Field – the First Geneva Convention – laying the foundations of modern international humanitarian law (IHL).

Strengthening IHL: subsequent conferences and revision of the Geneva Conventions in 1949

In the ensuing years, Switzerland and the ICRC organised a series of diplomatic conferences in Geneva, resulting in the adoption of multiple international conventions designed to gradually enhance protection for the victims of armed conflict. These included the extension of the principles of the First Geneva Convention to maritime warfare (1899) and the adoption of a new convention regarding the treatment of prisoners of war (1929).

"Diplomatic conferences are not convened by the ICRC; rather, they are customarily organised by governmental authorities. From the beginning, the Swiss government, in keeping with its long-standing tradition and steadfast support for the Red Cross, which so perfectly embodies its ideals of neutrality and peace, has taken on this role."

Jean S. Pictet, vice-president of the ICRC from 1971 to 1979

Nevertheless, the atrocities witnessed during the Second World War made it abundantly clear that there was a pressing need to bolster the protection of civilians. Recognising the urgent need for action, Switzerland, under the leadership of Federal Councillor Max Petitpierre, convened a diplomatic conference in Geneva in 1949 to address these concerns. The participating states took just four months to approve the revision of the existing conventions and the addition of a fourth covering civilians. The four Geneva Conventions resulting from this conference were adopted in 1949 and are still in force today. 

• The First Geneva Convention protects wounded and sick soldiers on land during war. 
• The Second Geneva Convention protects wounded, sick and shipwrecked military personnel at sea during war. 
• The Third Geneva Convention applies to prisoners of war. 
• The Fourth Geneva Convention protects civilians, including those in occupied territory. 

"It is our most fervent hope that these conventions will never need to be invoked."

Max Petitpierre, former president of the Swiss Confederation and president of the diplomatic conference, as recorded in the proceedings of the 1949 Geneva Diplomatic Conference

The Geneva Conventions: rules in the service of humanity

The four Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols serve as the bedrock of IHL, defining the fundamental limits of acceptable conduct in war. They protect those who are not taking part in hostilities (civilians, medical personnel, humanitarian aid workers) and those who are no longer fighting (wounded, sick, shipwrecked, prisoners of war). IHL is based on the principle that the only legitimate aim of war is to weaken the enemy's military forces. It balances military necessity and humanity, prohibiting suffering, injury or destruction not necessary to achieve a legitimate military objective. 

The Geneva Conventions have achieved universal ratification. All the countries of the world have expressed their commitment to respect the Geneva Conventions: they are bound by them because they themselves are connected through a common humanity. The Geneva Conventions apply to all parties to a conflict, regardless of who initiated hostilities. IHL does not stipulate whether an armed conflict is legitimate or not, but seeks to regulate the behaviour of the parties once the conflict has begun. The obligation to respect and ensure respect for IHL persists even without reciprocity: IHL must be respected even if the adversary does not – because respecting IHL is in everyone's interest, including the interests of those who comply with it. This includes all types of armed conflict, whether between states or involving armed groups, in accordance with common Article 3 of the four Geneva Conventions.

Adopted in 1949, the Geneva Conventions marked a decisive breakthrough in IHL. Since their adoption, they have saved millions of lives threatened by conflicts around the world. By providing protection for civilians in wartime, reuniting separated families and ensuring humane treatment for prisoners of war, the Geneva Conventions alleviate suffering and facilitate a return to lasting peace, stability and prosperity.

An enduring crisis: the vital role of the Geneva Conventions today

Even though these rules have been universally ratified, numerous breaches of IHL continue to occur. The execution of civilians, the bombing of hospitals, torture and the use of famine as a method of warfare are unacceptable humanitarian consequences. The many violations of IHL are not a sign that these legal rules are ineffective, but rather that we must be determined to ensure that they are respected. The greatest challenge facing IHL is its implementation. Promoting and disseminating IHL is therefore essential. States must promote compliance with these norms well before the outbreak of conflict and establish a culture in which these rules are rigorously observed from the outset of hostilities. Respect for IHL depends on the actions and responsibility of each state.

As a high contracting party, Switzerland is committed to respecting, promoting and implementing IHL, making this a constant priority of its foreign policy. 

"Every nation – and by extension, all of humankind – has a part to play in this respect. Respecting IHL not only safeguards the humanity of one's adversary, it also preserves our own humanity, both in the present and for the future. In this conflict, as in every other, the international community must prioritise respect for IHL and its implementation as a matter of political urgency."

Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the ICRC, in a press statement dated 9 March 2024

75 Years of the Geneva Conventions: a humanitarian imperative more necessary than ever

75 years after their adoption, the Geneva Conventions remain as relevant as ever in protecting people from the destructive effects of armed conflict. At a time when conflicts are causing immense suffering and IHL violations are rampant, elevating respect for IHL to a top political priority is absolutely crucial. The 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions provides a unique opportunity for all states to renew their commitment to these fundamental principles. The cooperation between states that led to the adoption of the conventions in 1949 should serve as a model. States must not only respect these rules, but also ensure their strict and universal implementation. Compliance with IHL is more than a mere legal formality; it symbolises the commitment of states to a common humanity and the recognition that even in the darkest moments, there are limits to war.

"This year marks the 160th anniversary of the First Geneva Convention and the 75th anniversary of the current Geneva Conventions.

While our history reminds us of what we've accomplished for world peace, recent events also demonstrate that nothing can ever be taken for granted – neither fundamental rights nor peace.

The time for action is now, and we must stand together. We owe it to humanity!"

Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor and head of the FDFA, opening address to the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva