Geneva treaties on conduct in war as relevant as ever on 60th anniversary – Ban

Reaffirming the lasting significance of the Geneva Conventions on the 60th anniversary of their adoption, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on all countries to enforce the provisions enshrining the human rights of civilians and other non-combatants during conflict.

The four Conventions, adopted in 1949 in the aftermath of the horrors of World War II, protect wounded and sick soldiers on land and wounded, sick and shipwrecked military personnel at sea during war, establish rights for prisoners of war, and afford protection to civilians, including in occupied territory.

“The Secretary-General reaffirms their enduring significance and relevance for the protection of human life and dignity in situations of armed conflict,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General urges all Member States to take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the fundamental principles therein.”