Geneva Convention in WWII
Third Geneva Convention
The Third Geneva Convention was signed July 27, 1929, recognizing the rights of POWs.
"As soon as possible after their capture, prisoners of war shall be evacuated to depots sufficiently removed from the fighting zone for them to be out of danger. Only prisoners who, by reason of their wounds or maladies, would run greater risks by being evacuated than by remaining may be kept temporarily in a dangerous zone. Prisoners shall not be unnecessarily exposed to danger while awaiting evacuation from a fighting zone."
-Article 7. of the Third Geneva Convention
Enforcing the Geneva Convention
Although these new regulations were in place, the Geneva Conventions were very difficult to enforce. It wasn't until after the war when those who didn't abide by these laws were punished.
"Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated. Any unlawful act or omission by the Detaining Power causing death or seriously endangering the health of a prisoner of war in its custody is prohibited, and will be regarded as a serious breach of the present Convention. In particular, no prisoner of war may be subjected to physical mutilation or to medical or scientific experiments of any kind which are not justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the prisoner concerned and carried out in his interest. Likewise, prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity."
- Article 13 of the Third Geneva Convention
Nuremberg Trials
Prominent members of the Nazi party who ordered/participated in the war crimes against humanity were prosecuted during the Nuremberg Trials.
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Justice Robert H. Jackson's Opening Statement during the trials
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