Geneva Convention

In 1864, a number of world leaders, statesmen, and diplomats representing 16 nations convened in Geneva, Switzerland to devise and document a set of rules of engagement designed to outlaw the atrocities of war and, thereby, lessen the suffering of both combatants and noncombatants. Commonly known as the Geneva Convention, the conference was formally titled Convention for The Amelioration of The Condition of The Wounded in Armies in The Field. The resulting document has since been ratified, clarified, and expanded, most recently in 1977. Actually, there are four Geneva Conventions, signed on August 12, 1949.There are two additional Protocols dated June 8, 1977.The Geneva Conventions are referenced during times of war, particularly when organized armies of civilized nations are engaged in military conflict.The additional protocols apply to domestic conflicts such as civil wars.Those who fail to follow the rules must be held accountable by an international court or tribunal. Unfortunately, any rules of engagement or warriors' codes are unilateral when armies of civilized nations are in military conflict with barbarians, even when they claim to be engaged in jihad. Civilized peoples establish rules and live by them, while barbarians do not. See also rules of engagement, voice mail jail, and warrior's code.