Geneva Conventions

Cultural  

1. A set of international rules that govern the treatment of prisoners, the sick and wounded, and civilians during war. Under the Geneva Conventions, for example, ambulances and military hospitals and their staff are officially neutral and are not to be fired upon. Nearly all countries of the world have agreed to the Geneva Conventions.

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The first Geneva Convention was drawn up in the late nineteenth century and concerned only the sick and wounded in war. It has been revised several times since to accommodate new wartime conditions.

Example Sentences

Goldman said the risk to the United States was primarily one of reputation -- and that undercutting the Geneva Conventions could have dangerous impacts for a country frequently at war.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Bringing the Geneva Conventions and their prohibition of war crimes into the fight against lethal economic sanctions can raise the legal and political cost of enforcing them.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

According to the Geneva Conventions, to which Russia is a party, former POWs can’t be employed on active military service, only in auxiliary roles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

"It is no justification for a disrespect or for a hollowing out of the Geneva Conventions," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2025

The Red Cross had its origin in Switzerland and the Geneva Conventions have done much to bring about the adoption of better rules of war.

From Face to Face with Kaiserism by Gerard, James W. (James Watson)