WASHINGTON, July 30 -- President Barack Obama recently said "[there] are responsibilities that all nations have even in war." As our country debates the treatment of prisoners during wartime, it is important to understand the rules of armed conflict in the Geneva Conventions. Nearly every country in the world has agreed to observe these laws, which safeguard civilians, wounded combatants, and prisoners of war during conflict; however, while many foreign policy decisions rely on an understanding of these rules, many people are not taught basic international humanitarian law.

The Red Cross offers the Exploring Humanitarian Law program, which can be integrated into high school classes like history and social studies. The curriculum presents multiple viewpoints with a non-partisan approach. Students learn that there are no easy answers in war, and that armed conflict inevitably raises serious dilemmas and trade-offs.

Sign the Red Cross petition calling upon school officials to teach students the Geneva Conventions. The petition can found online through Causes on Facebook at http://causes.com/redcross.

The global Red Cross network originated with the Geneva Convention of 1864 and continues to educate people around the world about these rules. More information about Exploring Humanitarian Law is available at ehl.redcross.org and www.icrc.org.

You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation by mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243 , Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Donations to the International Response Fund can be made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or online at www.redcross.org.