Женевські конвенції та новітні технології війни: проблеми ефективного правового застосування

The article addresses the challenges of effectively applying the Geneva Conventions in the context of modern military technologies and contemporary armed conflicts. The aim of the study is to analyze the shortcomings of existing norms of international humanitarian law in the context of the Russia- Ukraine war and propose updates to the Geneva Conventions to regulate war crimes, protect civilians and prisoners of war, criminalize ecocide, and establish accountability for the use of advanced military technologies and hybrid warfare methods. The research employs general scientific methods of cognition, including analysis, synthesis, comparison, systematization, and generalization of legal norms and international practices. The findings indicate that while the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols form the foundation of international humanitarian law, contemporary armed conflicts have exposed their limitations. One of the key issues identified is the lack of an effective enforcement mechanism, leading to impunity for war crimes. Additionally, existing provisions fail to ensure adequate protection for prisoners of war, women, and children, who frequently become victims of violence and repression. Gaps have been identified in the regulation of private military companies and the use of emerging technologies, such as cyber weapons and artificial intelligence, which pose new threats to civilian security. The study also examines the issue of environmental crimes, which lack clear legal classification within international humanitarian law, complicating the prosecution of ecocide. The research substantiates the necessity of establishing mandatory international tribunals for investigating war crimes, independent of state political will. The study concludes that enhancing the effectiveness of international humanitarian law requires updating the Geneva Conventions to address modern challenges, automating legal enforcement processes, expanding the jurisdiction of international judicial bodies, strengthening accountability for violations of humanitarian law, and implementing effective oversight over the use of advanced military technologies. The practical significance of the study lies in developing recommendations for improving the Geneva Conventions to effectively address contemporary threats in the field of international humanitarian law.