The last question: Do the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions 1949, Really Protect?

Abstract

The Article examined the role of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions in the light of the reality of contemporary armed conflicts. It conceded that the distinctive, no doubt constitute part of the measures put in place by the Geneva Conventions’ regime to ensure the protection of both persons and objects in situations of armed conflicts. It however contended that that the protection afforded by the said emblems operates more in principle than in practice as contemporary armed conflicts witness instances of disrespect for the said emblems resulting in direct attacks against both persons and objects wearing or displaying the distinctive emblems thereby undermining protection which constitutes the crust of Humanitarian Law. To address this anomaly, the Article recommended among other things the stipulation of stringent punishment for the violation of the provisions relating to the said emblems; proper identification of protected persons and objects protected by the emblems; and dissemination of the knowledge of the said emblems among armed forces so as to facilitate respect for International Humanitarian Law. The Article is divided into nine parts. The first part is an overview of the subject matter while the second part traces the historical development of the distinctive emblems. Part three examined the regulatory framework on the distinctive emblems while part four discussed the persons and objects protected by the emblems. Part of the Article is the specification on the use of the emblems while part six considered the status of the persons and objects wearing or displaying the distinctive emblems. Part seven analyzed what disrespect for the said emblems entails while part eight examined instances of disrespect for the emblems in contemporary armed conflicts. Part nine and the last of this Article is the concluding remarks.