New Delhi, Aug 28 - The Geneva Conventions, which bind 194 countries to basic humanitarian principles during armed conflicts, 'remain relevant' even after 60 years of signing of the protocols but certain aspects of the statute needs an update, says the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Three Geneva Conventions related to the immunity of medical personnel in a battlefield and the treatment of prisoners of war were revised in August 1949.

The fourth convention that makes protection of civilians obligatory to warring parties was also added then.

Marking the 60 years of the treaty, the global humanitarian agency said the universal applicability of international humanitarian law (IHL) has come under increasing scrutiny and the law is being violated.

'We see violations of IHL on a regular basis in the field, ranging from the mass displacement of civilians to indiscriminate attacks and ill-treatment of prisoners,' ICRC president Jakob Kellenberger said in a statement made available to media here Friday.

'If the existing rules were followed, much of the suffering caused by armed conflict could be avoided.