60 years of Geneva Conventions no cause for celebration

Exactly 60 years ago the Geneva Conventions on the protection of the civilian population in armed conflicts were signed. But given the numerous wars and conflicts the left-liberal daily De Standaard writes that there is little cause for celebration: "In addition most of the wars today are internal conflicts: terrorist and rebel groups don't feel bound by these rules while in the fight against terrorism governments cite the holy principle of sovereignty to defend themselves against criticism. … The most important development in the last 60 years was the founding of the International Court of Justice which has the task of prosecuting war crimes. China, Russia and the US are not members of the court but [US Secretary of State] Hillary Clinton said last week that she laments her country's stance on this, which may indicate a change in Washington. The EU should take advantage of this opening to encourage [US] President [Barack] Obama to actively cooperate with the court as a first step towards membership. It would be a small step for Washington but a giant leap for mankind."

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