Major rights groups call for international conference on Geneva Conventions

The International Commission of Jurists, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for an international gathering to ensure compliance with the Geneva Conventions.

“In light of credible allegations of ongoing violations of international humanitarian law arising from the protracted armed conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in particular in the Gaza Strip,” the human rights organisations called on Switzerland to call for such a gathering.

The call was made for governments “to fulfil their obligations to ensure respect for the Fourth Geneva Convention by acting collectively to prevent further violations of International Humanitarian Law in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel,” the statement said.

The Fourth Geneva Convention was adopted in 1949 and protects civilians in areas of armed conflict and occupied territories.