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ERIC Number: EJ940890
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Sep
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0037-7724
EISSN: N/A
Bridging the Information Gap: American Youth Perceptions on Torture and Civilian Protection
Rose, Emily
Social Education, v75 n4 p204, 206-207 Sep 2011
A recent survey commissioned by the American Red Cross about the attitudes of the post-9/11 generation toward the Geneva Conventions reveals that 59% of youth, compared with 51% of adults, believe that torturing the enemy is always or sometimes acceptable. The Geneva Conventions are at the core of international humanitarian law (IHL) and protect civilians, allow safe passage of the wounded and sick, and prohibit torture and inhumane treatment of prisoners during armed conflicts. Survey findings show that, in many cases, youth are more likely than adults to support illegal actions in times of war. This is particularly true regarding the treatment of prisoners, who must be given certain protections under the Geneva Conventions. The contradiction between the desire to learn more and support for illegal acts in war can reasonably be attributed to a gap in information. Teaching students about the rules of international humanitarian law and the principle of respect for human dignity will prepare them to become responsible global citizens and leaders.
National Council for the Social Studies. 8555 Sixteenth Street #500, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Tel: 800-683-0812; Tel: 301-588-1800; Fax: 301-588-2049; e-mail: membership@ncss.org; Web site: http://www.socialstudies.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A