International 75 years of the Geneva Conventions: Concern instead of celebration
75 years ago, the world committed itself to protecting people in conflict situations with the Geneva Conventions, but this is working less and less. "International humanitarian law is being strained, disregarded and undermined", said the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, in Geneva.
12.08.2024, 13:08
SDA
She was deeply concerned. She criticized the fact that parties to a conflict were pushing the boundaries of what they considered to be permissible in conflicts ever further. This weakens the protective effect of the Geneva Conventions.
Geneva Conventions apply universally
The strictly neutral organization is supposed to monitor compliance with the conventions worldwide. The four Geneva Conventions were signed on August 12, 1949. They have been ratified by 196 countries. They now apply universally, to armies and non-state armed groups. Among other things, they protect civilians and prisoners of war.
Spoljaric criticized the fact that hospitals and schools are increasingly being attacked in conflicts. In addition, humanitarian aid is sometimes blocked with the argument that the material could be misused for purposes other than supporting uninvolved civilians.
More than 120 active conflicts worldwide
She appeals to conflict parties around the world to renew their commitment to the Geneva Conventions. Twenty-five years ago, there were 20 active conflicts worldwide. Today there are more than 120, she said. The ICRC is in contact with 200 conflict parties and trains many of them to promote compliance with international humanitarian law.
Spoljaric also called for rules on the use of autonomous weapons. This refers to systems that are trained with artificial intelligence, for example, to find and engage targets on their own. In the end, people must always decide on the use of war machines, she said.
Spoljaric called on politicians in all countries to contribute more to conflict resolution. "Where are the peacemakers? Where are the men and women who lead negotiations and create space for them?" she said. No country is immune to attacks. Everyone benefits economically and socially for decades to come if conflicts are resolved or avoided.
