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

The Geneva Conventions governing the laws of war, agreed following World War II, prohibit destruction of "objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population."

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The Geneva Conventions are among the most widely accepted bodies of international law, adopted by all countries.

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

"The Geneva Conventions prohibit displacement of civilians from occupied territory except temporarily for imperative military reasons or the population's security," HRW said.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 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)