75 years of the Geneve Conventions: A global consensus or a persistent challenge?
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13939689
Keywords:
Geneva Convention, International Humanitarian Law, armed conflicts, non-state actors, cyber warfare, climate change, implementationAbstract
The Geneva Conventions, ratified 75 years ago, are widely regarded as a cornerstone of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), establishing rules for the protection of civilians, prisoners of war, and other individuals in armed conflicts. This article explores the global consensus surrounding these Conventions and examines the persistent challenges to their effective implementation. Despite near-universal adherence, with 196 States Parties, the practical application of the Conventions often faces significant barriers, especially in asymmetric conflicts involving non-state actors and in cyber warfare scenarios. Moreover, new challenges, such as climate-related conflicts and the rise of cyber warfare, question the continued relevance of these norms. The article concludes that while the Geneva Conventions retain their value and importance, ongoing efforts are necessary to adapt and strengthen their provisions in light of the new realities of the international conflict landscape.
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