The foundation of international law adopted 77 years ago: Why the Geneva Conventions are important

On August 12, 77 years ago, the Geneva Conventions were adopted, establishing a cornerstone of international humanitarian law. These agreements provide protection for wounded soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians during armed conflicts. The Croatian Red Cross has highlighted the continued importance of these conventions and called for their consistent respect today. The four Geneva Conventions were ratified on August 12, 1949, in Geneva following the devastation of World War II and millions of casualties. They established a system to protect injured and sick individuals on land and sea, prisoners of war, and civilian populations during armed conflict. Additional protocols from 1977 and 2005 further strengthened this framework, according to the Croatian Red Cross (HCK). The foundations of modern international humanitarian law were initiated by Swiss businessman Henry Dunant. After witnessing the suffering of wounded soldiers in the Battle of Solferino in 1859, he launched an initiative that contributed to the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the development of international rules protecting victims of war. Marina Pinjagić Telak, deputy executive director of the HCK, emphasized that the value of the Geneva Conventions today is no less than it was 77 years ago. She noted that the conventions are not merely legal documents but represent a universal obligation of humanity to protect human dignity even in times of war. Their message remains as powerful today as it did in 1949, humanity must not become a victim of war. Modern conflicts highlight the necessity of respecting these principles. The HCK warns that contemporary armed conflicts underscore the importance of adhering to these rules. Attacks on hospitals, schools, and other civilian infrastructure, along with restrictions or blockages of humanitarian aid delivery, have devastating consequences for civilian populations and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law. Today, more than 130 armed conflicts are ongoing worldwide, according to the HCK. It points out that the greatest challenge for international humanitarian law is no longer the development of new legal norms, but rather their consistent implementation and observance. Pinjagić Telak stated that while the rules exist, what is missing is political will to apply them consistently. Every violation of the Geneva Conventions is not only a breach of international law but also a violation of fundamental values upon which the modern international community is built. Political leaders bear particular responsibility, according to the HCK, because armed conflicts are often not inevitable but result from policy failures, lack of dialogue, and delayed action. Therefore, they call on the international community to make international humanitarian law one of its political priorities and invest in peaceful and just conflict resolution. The Croatian Red Cross promotes international humanitarian law through education, collaboration with state institutions, academic communities, and numerous partners. Observing the 77th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, they emphasize that this commemoration is not only a remembrance of one of the most significant international legal documents of the 20th century but also a call for renewed commitment to its principles. Pinjagić Telak concluded that the Geneva Conventions remind us that even in war, we must not lose what makes us human. Their preservation is not only a legal obligation of states but also a moral duty of all of us. Only by observing international humanitarian law can we safeguard human life, dignity, and hope for peace.