How did it start?
Founder of the International Red Cross, Swiss born Henry Dunant believed that relief units should be set and trained in a time of war to care for the wounded soldiers on a battlefield. With this in mind, an international agreement would have to be made between countries so that the wounded have priority in being protected from further attack. This led to the meeting of the first Geneva Convention in 1864, where representatives from 16 nations came together to sign a treaty declaring that the sick and wounded, regardless of nationality, would be tended to by medical units to prevent them from further harm. In addition, those providing medical relief would remain as neutral in the war and bare a red cross with a white background.
As mentioned on the home page, the Geneva Convention commonly mentioned during WWII is the Third Geneva Convention and is the predecessor of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.
The First Geneva Convention:
Together, these two conventions aimed to protect the idea that if enemy forces are wounded or sick, it is first priority that they are treated for. In addition, those who have died in the field should be quickly collected to avoid desecration and robbery. The Second Geneva Convention affirmed that medical equipment should not be tampered with and medical personnel should not be targeted to prevent operation on the wounded.
Finally, in 1929, the world sees provisions in the Geneva Convention aimed toward POW's:
POW's must be:
As mentioned on the home page, the Geneva Convention commonly mentioned during WWII is the Third Geneva Convention and is the predecessor of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.
The First Geneva Convention:
- Also known as the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces in the Field
- Was adopted in 1864
- Also known as the Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick, and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea
- Was adopted in 1906
Together, these two conventions aimed to protect the idea that if enemy forces are wounded or sick, it is first priority that they are treated for. In addition, those who have died in the field should be quickly collected to avoid desecration and robbery. The Second Geneva Convention affirmed that medical equipment should not be tampered with and medical personnel should not be targeted to prevent operation on the wounded.
Finally, in 1929, the world sees provisions in the Geneva Convention aimed toward POW's:
POW's must be:
- Allowed to notify family and International Red Cross of their capture
- Allowed to correspond with relatives to receive relief parcels
- Given sufficient sustenance and clothing
- Provided with shelter equivalent to captor's troops
- Given medical care
- Paid for work done
- Released and sent home when war is over