What is the Geneva Convention and why does it Matter during Warfare?

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Posted by: santosh, on 7/19/2010, in category "Gurkhas-related articles"
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What is the Geneva Convention

The swift removal from duty (pending further investigations) of the Gurkha involved in recent beheading of a Taliban fighter in Afghanistan will undoubtedly send a clear message to all other personnels posted in similar conflict zones, of the immense responsibilities they carry on their shoulders day in day out, to adhere to the Geneva Conventions’ treaties and protocols.

This is because Britain is one of the Convention’s key signatory countries. Alongside Britain, the Convention’s treaties of 1949 have also been ratified by 193 other countries in part or in full.

The Geneva Conventions comprise rules that apply in times of armed conflict.The protocols that apply in this case are based on the clear definitions of basic rights of those captured during military conflict and establishes protections for the wounded, whilst also addressing civilian protection in warzone.

These treaties forbid  soldiers from 'demeaning' their enemies and are applicable for all recent international armed conflicts, including the current deployment of forces in Afghanistan.

For more comprehensive information on Geneva Conventions including how it came into being, please follow the link below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva_Conventions