Geneva Conventions Challenged: ICRC Chief Advocates For Stronger Adherence

Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), emphasised the importance of recommitting to a strong protective framework for armed conflict. She highlighted that this framework should focus on protecting life rather than justifying death. Speaking on the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, she stated, "The Geneva Conventions are the foundational treaties of international humanitarian law (IHL) and a remarkable success in many ways."

Criticising current practices, Spoljaric Egger suggested "International humanitarian law is under strain. Disregarded. Undermined to justify violence" as a fitting headline for this year's anniversary. She noted that the Geneva Conventions are not only unique and universal but have also shown impressive durability. These conventions prohibit torture and sexual violence, require humane treatment of detainees, and reflect a global consensus that every war has limits.

Spoljaric Egger pointed out that making adherence to the Geneva Conventions a political priority is her first call to action. She remarked, "25 years ago, former ICRC President Cornelio Sommaruga spoke of 20 active conflicts. Today, there are more than 120 conflicts recorded by my organisation."

The ICRC President highlighted the dire situation in war zones worldwide. She mentioned that hospitals' sanctity is often disregarded, ambulances are attacked, and schools lose their civilian character due to alleged benefits to adversaries. The delivery of humanitarian assistance faces obstacles due to concerns about misuse of relief items. Additionally, humanitarian workers are killed in alarming numbers, including colleagues from the ICRC and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

To address these issues, Spoljaric Egger proposed a four-point pathway aimed at reducing suffering in conflict zones. "First, parties to armed conflict must make a renewed commitment to the Geneva Conventions, adhering to the letter and the spirit of the law," she explained.

Proposed Pathway for Improvement

She continued by urging states to ratify and uphold IHL treaties, including additional protocols to the Geneva Conventions. "Third, we must see tangible humanitarian improvements in places affected by armed conflict," she added.

The final point in her proposal focused on new technologies used in warfare. Spoljaric Egger stressed that states must ensure these technologies—such as AI, cyber operations, and information operations—strictly adhere to IHL. She emphasised the urgency for states to develop a normative framework imposing limits on autonomous weapon systems.

In her speech marking this significant anniversary, Spoljaric Egger underscored that while progress has been made since the inception of the Geneva Conventions, much work remains. Her call for renewed commitment aims at ensuring these foundational treaties continue to protect lives amid modern conflicts.

With inputs from WAM