Do the Geneva Conventions Matter? A Reality Check on the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions

The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 turn seventy on 12 August 2019. 70 years is a moment to celebrate. The Geneva are more than just international treaties; they have become the symbol par excellence of humanity in warfare. Yet numerous are conflicts in which the Geneva Conventions are not respected. Atrocities are being committed, rights of combatants and civilians disregarded. Moreover, new technologies with uncertain effects on human dignity, such as autonomous weapons, are emerging. This raises a pressing question: Do the Geneva Conventions actually matter? Do they really have an impact on behaviour in war? 70 years after their adoption, are the Geneva Conventions ready for retirement or is their legacy just getting started? This Reality Check was joined by: Professor Matthew Evangelista, President White Professor of History and Political Science, Cornell University and co-editor of the book ‘Do the Geneva Conventions Matter?’ (OUP, 2017); Ms Jelena Pejic, Senior Legal Adviser, Legal Division, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); Colonel Jerry Lane, Director of the Legal Service, Irish Defence Forces. Security and Law: A Reality Check is the event series to address how international law matters in security affairs. It aims to critically assess if current norms fit contemporary and future security challenges, how international commitments can effectively be implemented, and how new international law can successfully be shaped. Join the debate. Join the Reality Check. More info on the Security and Law Reality Checks: https://www.gcsp.ch/topics/security-a... Watch all Reality Check videos:    • Playlist