Reaffirming the Geneva Conventions: A call to action on their 75th anniversary

On the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President, Mirjana Spoljaric, emphasized the urgent need to prioritize the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law (IHL) in global politics. The Geneva Conventions, signed on August 12, 1949, are fundamental treaties that embody universal values aimed at preserving human dignity during armed conflicts.

Spoljaric highlighted the critical role these conventions play in mitigating the horrors of war. “In a divided world, the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law embody universal values that preserve lives and dignity,” she stated. These laws are designed to ensure that even in war, humanity is maintained by prohibiting acts like torture and sexual violence and by mandating humane treatment of detainees.

However, despite their success, international humanitarian law is increasingly under strain. The conventions, once a safeguard against the excesses of war, are now sometimes manipulated to justify violence. In response to this growing challenge, President Spoljaric called for a renewed global commitment to the principles of the Geneva Conventions. 

To address the rising number of conflicts—now more than 120 compared to just 20 in 1999—Spoljaric proposed four key actions:

Renewed Commitment: Parties involved in conflicts must adhere to the Geneva Conventions both in letter and spirit.

Humanitarian Improvements: Concrete steps must be taken to alleviate suffering in conflict-affected areas.

Ratification and Upholding of IHL: States should ratify and uphold the additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions.

Regulation of New Technologies: New warfare technologies, including AI and autonomous weapons, must strictly comply with IHL, and new limits should be developed.

Spoljaric also pointed out the devastating impact of conflicts in regions like Israel-Gaza, Russia-Ukraine, and Sudan, stressing the importance of respecting IHL to pave the way for peace. She urged world leaders to become peacemakers, emphasizing that adherence to IHL is crucial in facilitating peace negotiations.

As the world reflects on the past 75 years, it is imperative that nations reaffirm their commitment to the Geneva Conventions, ensuring that the principles set forth in 1949 continue to protect human dignity in the face of war.