Thread by @ICRC

We might be biased, but we think the #GenevaConventions are the most important achievements of the 20th century.

Today they turn 70.

Here’s why it’s so important that even wars have rules. #GC70 #thread

Torture is unacceptable.
Sexual violence is prohibited.
Sick & wounded must be cared for.
Hospitals must not be attacked.
Detainees must be treated humanely.
Families should know the fate of missing relatives.
The dead deserve dignity.

#GenevaConventions preserve our humanity.

After the atrocities of the Second World War, the world came together to prevent such horrors from ever happening again.

It took just 4 months negotiate the #GenevaConventions.

They are universally ratified.

But the world has changed a lot since 1949.

Autonomous weapons; cyber-attacks; diversification of armed actors.

We’re making sure international humanitarian law continues to reflect how wars are being fought.

We talk to around 200 armed groups worldwide, for example.

We know that decentralized, non-state groups are influenced by command structures, and that those leaders can be positively influenced to adhere to international humanitarian law.

The #GenevaConventions don’t make judgements: if you’re not part of the fight you are protected.

#GC70