eli5 How does the Geneva convention work? How can it be enforced if nations are already at war? What incentive do armies have for following it?

Question

I mean there are no referees on the battlefield.

In: 3

Answer 1

The incentive for following it is so that your enemy will follow it.

Why treat your prisoners of war humanely? If you can’t think of any other reason, perhaps the desire for your own soldiers held in POW camps to be treated well is enough of a reason.