On 16 June 2020, the ICRC held the online launch of the updated Commentary on the Third Geneva Convention relative to the treatment of prisoners of war, for an expert panel to discuss the Commentary's main findings. This event examines how international humanitarian law protects prisoners of war taking into account existing practice and operational challenges. The panel discussion provides insights on the relevance and application of the law in practice.
The Geneva Conventions and their updated Commentaries
In 2011, the ICRC and a team of renowned experts embarked on a major project: updating the Commentaries on the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977, which date back to the 1950s and 1980s respectively. Since the initial Commentaries were published the Geneva Conventions and Protocols have been put to the test, and there have been significant developments in how they are applied and interpreted in practice. The new Commentaries seek to document these developments and provide up-to-date interpretations.
The updated Commentary on the Third Geneva Convention deals with issues important to anyone engaging with detention in armed conflicts. The updated Commentary on the First Geneva Convention was presented in 2016, and the updated Commentary on the Second Geneva Convention was presented in 2017.