The Enduring Power of the Geneva Conventions

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the 1949 Geneva Conventions – a time when the world unanimously agreed to limit the destructive impact of war on those not fighting. These international treaties are the backbone of International Humanitarian Law, and 75 years later, they remain just as relevant as they were during adoption.

That’s why volunteers like Craig Smith dedicate their time to educating the public on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) with the American Red Cross. This knowledge helps people understand international affairs and issues related to past events and current conflicts around the globe.

In 2024, the IHL program has been brought to more than 600 college level students in the Massachusetts Region alone, and many of those classes have been taught by Smith. He has reinvigorated the program across the region since retiring from a career in Worcester, Mass. as an attorney in the juvenile justice system.

This March, Smith hosted an IHL course for Naval Reserve Officer Training students in the Boston area. Speaking to a packed lecture hall, he led a discussion with young service members who could possibly put the information to real-world use in the near future.  

“It’s a good feeling to be up in front of students, starting new discussions about the impact the Red Cross can have around the world,” said Smith. “I’ve dug into the material available and spent time researching the history of the ICRC and how they work in areas of war.” 

Smith’s interest in IHL started in the 1990s, when he would listen to short wave radio broadcasts from France in an effort to learn French. During the broadcasts, he’d hear about war-time atrocities and the pursuit of war crimes against world leaders. During that time and in the years that followed, Smith saw how the ICRC and humanitarian law govern warfare and protect the lives and dignity of people not participating in hostilities.

“It’s exciting to see students interested and engaged in such a relevant and timely topic,” said Philip Gonzalez, Director of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services for the Massachusetts Region. “Craig has really brought our IHL program to life. He is holding classes across the Boston area and that gives us the opportunity to talk about the Red Cross mission in a new and exciting way to students eager to learn.”

The Red Cross IHL program provides a combination of locally based events, foundational training, and webinars – all free of charge – along with video content that helps educate on topics relevant to the rules of war. Through a hands-on approach utilizing group activities, class discussion and compelling visual media, the IHL program invites participants to reflect on their perceptions of armed conflict and explore the powerful and fundamental concept of human dignity even in the midst of war. 

To learn more about the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law, visit redcross.org/IHL.