Sejarah Konvensi Jenewa - Global Governance Universitas Bakrie 2019/2020

Summary

The video explores the history of war and its humanitarian impacts, tracing the evolution of international laws protecting victims, especially through the Geneva Conventions. It begins with Henry Dunant's experience in 1859, witnessing the aftermath of a battle in Solferino, which led to the creation of the International Red Cross. The Geneva Conventions, developed over time, established crucial protections for soldiers, medical staff, and civilians in wartime. Despite the progress made, the video highlights that the world is still grappling with the need to update these conventions in the modern context of warfare.

Takeaways

• 😀 War has been a part of human history for centuries, often driven by territorial conquest or personal prestige.
• 😀 Despite the rise of trade and diplomacy, war remains one of the most powerful agents of change in history.
• 😀 In war, inhumane actions such as torture and attacks on civilians were often justified in the name of victory.
• 😀 Henry Dunant, a businessman and social activist, was deeply moved by the suffering he witnessed during the Battle of Solferino in 1859.
• 😀 Dunant organized local civilians, including women and children, to provide care for wounded soldiers, leading to his book 'Memory of Solferino'.
• 😀 Dunant's experiences and ideas inspired the creation of the International Red Cross and the formation of the Geneva Conventions.
• 😀 The Geneva Conventions, first established in 1864, focused on protecting war victims, particularly the wounded and medical personnel.
• 😀 The first Geneva Convention led to the recognition of the Red Cross symbol and laid the groundwork for international humanitarian law.
• 😀 Over time, the Geneva Conventions were expanded to provide broader protections, especially for prisoners of war and civilians.
• 😀 The Geneva Conventions have been updated several times, including in 1949, to address new humanitarian needs arising from World War II.
• 😀 As of the early 21st century, there is a growing recognition that the Geneva Conventions need to be updated to address modern-day conflicts and challenges.

Q & A

What historical context led to the development of the Geneva Conventions?

The Geneva Conventions were developed in response to the brutalities of war, including inhumane treatment of prisoners of war, attacks on civilians, and the overall suffering caused by armed conflicts. The increasing recognition of the need for humanitarian protections prompted the establishment of international laws.

Who was Henry Dunant and what role did he play in the creation of the Geneva Conventions?

Henry Dunant was a businessman and social activist who witnessed the aftermath of a battle in Solferino, Italy, in 1859. He organized aid for the wounded soldiers and later advocated for the establishment of humanitarian organizations and international conventions to protect victims of war, leading to the creation of the Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions.

What event in Solferino prompted Henry Dunant to act?

In Solferino, Dunant witnessed the aftermath of a battle between the Kingdom of Sardinia and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where wounded soldiers were left untreated. This horrific scene prompted him to organize local volunteers to provide medical care for the injured, leading him to advocate for an organized, international humanitarian response.

What is the significance of the book 'Memory of Solferino'?

'Memory of Solferino' was written by Henry Dunant, documenting the suffering he witnessed during the battle. In the book, Dunant called for the creation of international volunteer organizations to care for the wounded and for the establishment of laws to protect soldiers and civilians during war, which inspired the creation of the Red Cross and the Geneva Conventions.

How did the first Geneva Convention come into being?

In 1864, following the advocacy of Henry Dunant and the Swiss government, 12 representatives from various European nations met in Geneva to establish the first Geneva Convention. This convention set forth international laws for the protection of war victims, including rules for the treatment of wounded soldiers and the protection of medical personnel.

What key principles were established by the first Geneva Convention in 1864?

The first Geneva Convention established key principles including the immunity of medical facilities, fair treatment for wounded soldiers, protection for civilians aiding the wounded, and the recognition of the Red Cross as a symbol of protection under international law.

How did the Geneva Conventions evolve after World War I?

After World War I, the Geneva Conventions were expanded to further protect military personnel and civilians. The Second Geneva Convention of 1929, for example, extended protections to medical personnel, while the Third Geneva Convention addressed the humane treatment of prisoners of war.

What was the impact of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan on the Geneva Conventions?

Despite the establishment of the Geneva Conventions, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan violated the laws of war during World War II, committing numerous atrocities against prisoners of war and civilians. The aftermath of the war led to further revisions of the Geneva Conventions to strengthen protections and accountability.

What were the major changes introduced in the Fourth Geneva Convention in 1949?

The Fourth Geneva Convention, established in 1949, expanded protections to include the deportation of civilians in occupied territories, offering greater safeguards against atrocities committed in wartime. It aimed to improve the welfare of civilians and soldiers affected by military occupation.

How many countries have signed the Geneva Conventions as of today?

As of today, 190 countries have signed the Geneva Conventions, affirming their commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and protecting victims of war.