Human rights International humanitarian law has existed for 75 years

The Geneva Conventions of 1949, the basis of international humanitarian law, have been in existence for 75 years. On this occasion, ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric called on states to give them "political priority" on Monday.

"In a divided world, international humanitarian law (IHL) can be a path to peace," the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told the media in Geneva. International humanitarian law is under pressure and is being disregarded.

Spoljaric called on the parties in the Middle East to "do more". The parties to the conflict in Sudan, who will be negotiating in Geneva from Wednesday, should "stay at the table" until a way is found to increase the "humanitarian scope for action".

The lack of enforcement of IHL is problematic, above all because the Geneva Conventions are interpreted permissively. However, this law, which has been ratified by everyone, remains an unsurpassed instrument and is best suited to preventing the suffering of civilians.