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The law in this area developed from the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1977, two additional protocols to the 1949 conventions were adopted. These built up and developed the earlier conventions. However,Common article three rooted humanitarian consideration in international law. The four Geneva conventions of 1949, state the principles of international law as they had by then emerged, in relation to the treatment of sick and wounded combatants, on land (i) And at sea (ii), prisoners of war (iii) and civilians (iv). It specifically prohibits murder, torture, hostage-taking, outrages up on persons dignity and extra-judicial and covers any military, police or guerilla action which has the deliberate result of killing or maiming civilians or prisoners. The international criminal tribunal for Rwanda and the Special Court for Sierra Leone were established to prosecute persons responsible for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the violations of the laws and customs of warfare. The success stories of these two international instruments had established international jurisprudence, and had contributed immensely to precluding impunity and augmenting international peace.
About the author
Edward Lansana is a lecturer at the college of theology and management and church training centre,affilate of the University of Sierra Leone. Former, Organizing Secretary,Law society,Department of Law,Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Former,organizing secretary, society for peace and conflict resolution,Fourah Bay College.
