In the meantime , Spoerri , like Lindsey , takes heart from concrete examples of how the conventions make the work of the ICRC possible in war zones which would otherwise be deprived of humanitarian aid . August 12 : 60th anniversary of the signing of the 1949 Geneva Convention . Conventions govern conduct of armed forces , protect non - combatants in conflict zones . Some question relevance of conventions for ` ` asymmetric '' 21st century warfare . Legal experts consider conventions still relevant , but better compliance necessary .
August 12 : 60th anniversary of the signing of the 1949 Geneva Convention . Conventions govern conduct of armed forces , protect non - combatants in conflict zones . Some question relevance of conventions for ` ` asymmetric '' 21st century warfare . Legal experts consider conventions still relevant , but better compliance necessary .